George Butle Conyngham d.1765
George CONYNGHAM, d.1765
Biographical Note
George Butle Conyngham (d.1765) was the son of David Butle (d.1714), a Belfast merchant, and Anne Conyngham (d.1712). He was the nephew and successor of William ‘Good-Will’ Conygham (d.1721) of Springhill, County Londonderry. Following his inheritance, he added Conyngham to his name. In 1721, the year he succeeded to the Springhill estates, he married Anne Peacocke (n.d.) who was also a niece of Good-Will. Listed with the Londonderry Militia in 1726, he received his commission as a Captain in the Tyrone Militia in 1744; he advanced to become Colonel. The modern village of Coagh, in County Tyrone, was built by him. He served as a local magistrate.
Books
The extent and disposition of George Butle Conyngham’s library are not known. His will instructed that his books be sold. Approximately eight books that may be connected to George Butle Conyngham remain in the library at the National Trust’s Springhill. These are works in English, largely published in London. They include works on political ethics, the politics and government of Ireland, biography, science, and theology.
Characteristic Markings
George Butle Conyngham inscribed his books, generally on the title page, ‘G. Butle’ and, after his inheritance, ‘Geo. Conyngham’.
Sources
- Lenox-Conyngham, Mina, Springhill: An Old Ulster House and the People Who Lived in It, Belfast, 2005, 23-53.
- Lenox-Conyngham Papers, Public Records Office Northern Ireland D1449.
- Purcell, Mark, The Big House Library in Ireland, Swindon, 2011, 44-45.