John Cuffe, usually styled the eldest, but apparently the second son of his
father, J succeeded as owner of Desart, where he had been living at least as early
as 1708, when he had served as High Sheriff of County Kilkenny. He was
educated at Trinity College, Dublin, Where he matriculated as a 'Fellow-
Commoner On 7th August, 1097, aged fourteen. In 1721-22 he Was Mayor of
the City of Kilkenny. For twelve years he sat in parliament for the borough
of ThOmastown, for which he was first returned in 17 15, his father being the
disappointed candidate at that election. In 1718 the honorary degree of LL.D.
was conferred upon him by the University of Dublin, doubtless for 'Services
rendered in Parliament.
On 10th November, 1733, Mr. Cuffe was raised to the peerage as Baron of
Desart, and twb days later took his seat in the Irish House of Lords. If we

* Playfair's British Family Antiquity, vol. iv, app., p. cxiv. 1

f Burtchaell's Kilkenny Members of Parliament, p. go.
% Maurice Cuffe, the eldest son, who would appear from the Register of Trinity College, Dublin,
to have been born in 1681, resided at Killaghy (sometimes called St. Albans), County Kilkenny. He
was called to the Irish Bar in 1712, became a K. C. four years later, and sat in Parliament for the
City of Kilkenny from 1715 to 1726. He was twice married, and died on the 4th October, 1767,
leaving seven daughters.
Desart Court. 59

may accept the date on the house; it was in that year also that he built this
mansion, which is possible, judging by structural evidence, though the plaster
ceilings in the drawing-room and hall must be assigned to the period 1750-^60.
