This is the lavishly illustrated and fascinating account of one of the most powerful families in Irish history, the Butlers, whose lives were defined by astounding opulence - up to 10 per cent of all wine imported into Ireland was destined for their cellars, paid for by the Crown. The Butlers were based at Kilkenny Castle for over five centuries, and at other seats including Nenagh, Cahir, Roscrea, Kilcash and Thurles. A vital new history for anyone with an interest in British and Irish genealogy and the dominant force of lineage over half a millennium, The Chief Butlers of Ireland and the House of Ormond is a comprehensive record of the lives of the Chief Butlers, Dukes, Marquesses and Earls of Ormond and their families, sumptuously illustrated with their original portraits. Also included is Kilkenny archaeologist Ben Murtagh's essential essay, 'Kilkenny Castle: An Outline of its History, Architecture and Archaeology'.