Thomas Molyneux, or Molinel (1531–1597) was a French-born English statesman, who held high office in Ireland during the Elizabethan era.
He founded a dynasty which produced several distinguished members, and became the Molyneux baronets of Castle Dillon, County Armagh.
[1] In 1568, after the outbreak of the Dutch Revolt made life in Bruges increasingly hazardous for foreigners, Molyneux moved with his family to England, and gained the favour of Queen Elizabeth I.
[1] Daniel (1568–1632), the younger son, became Ulster King at Arms and also sat in the Irish House of Commons in 1613–15 as member for Strabane.
Through Daniel, who married Jane, daughter of Sir William Ussher of Donnybrook and Isabella Loftus (and Arthur's sister) by whom he had eight children,[1] Thomas had a number of distinguished descendants, including: