DUELLIST WHO FLED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 85, 11 April 1931, Page 13 (Supplement)

DUELLIST WHO FLED.

FAMILY ESTATES REGAINED. LINK WITH ENGLISH HISTORY. The death of Lord Kingsdale, at his home at Ilomefield, Coffinswell, South | Devon, at the age of 75, recalls one of the most interesting incidents in English history. Premier Baron of Ireland, Lord Kingsale was the thirty-third succession, and was a descendant of Sir John de Courcy, who conquered Ulster in 1180. Sir John was lord of that province until he was made a prisoner by King John, deprived of his estates, and condemned to perpetual imprisonment -in the Tower. After he had been confined about twelve months, a dispute arose between France and England relating to the Duchy of Normandy, and the decision having been referred to single combat he proffered to represent England in the fight. Seized with Panic. He and the French champion having entered the lists, the latter was seized with panic and lied the arena, when the victory was awarded to England. For this service the King restored him to his estates and offered to grant him anything within , his gift. He, however, only asked that his successors might have the privilege of remaining covered in the presence of the King and all future Kings of England, and this request was granted. The privilege was exercised by his descendants up to the reign of King George 111. Lord Kingsale, who succeeded in 1895, married his cousin Emily, daughter of William Sinclair de Courcy in 1880. She died in 1926. The new heir to the title is Michael John Ranee de Courcy, who is 24, and J is a lieutenant in the Navy.