De Meones family
The De Meones family were an Anglo-Irish family who originated in Hampshire. They moved to Ireland in the thirteenth century, became substantial landowners in Dublin, and gave their name to the suburb of Rathmines.
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The family came from East Meon in Hampshire. A de Meones moved to Ireland in 1279–80 in the entourage of John de Derlington , Archbishop of Dublin.[1] This was probably the first family member of note, William de Meones, who became Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer in 1311.[1] He acquired lands in the Manor of St. Sepulchre which became known first as Meonesrath, and later as Rathmines i.e. the Rath (ringfort) of de Meones.[1]
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William died in 1325 and his property passed to a relative, Gilbert de Meones, who was a soldier.[2] John de Meones was Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1331-2 and 1337-8 and Robert de Meones held the same office in 1351-2. Nicholas de Meones was appointed a judge of the Court of King's Bench (Ireland) in 1374.[3] In 1382 a second William de Meones was Lord of Meonesrath.[2] The family also held lands at Harold's Cross and operated a mill on the River Dodder.[2]
References
- Ball, F. Elrington The Judges in Ireland 1221–1921 John Murray London 1926 Vol.1 p.58
- Ball, F. Elrington History of Dublin Alexander Thom and Co. Vol.2 1903 p.100
- Ball Judges in Ireland p.88