Charles FitzGerald, 1st Baron Lecale facts for kids
Charles James FitzGerald (born June 30, 1756 – died February 18, 1810) was an important Irish naval leader and politician. He was known as Lord Charles FitzGerald for most of his life, but later became the 1st Baron Lecale. He served in the Royal Navy and was also a Member of Parliament in Ireland.
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About His Family
Charles James FitzGerald was the third son of James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster, and Lady Emily. His mother was the daughter of Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond. This meant Charles was a great-great-grandson of King Charles II.
He came from a very large family with 19 children! His siblings included William FitzGerald, 2nd Duke of Leinster, Lord Henry FitzGerald, and Lord Edward FitzGerald. His brother, Lord Edward FitzGerald, is famous as an Irish revolutionary. Another brother, Lord Robert Stephen FitzGerald, was a British diplomat.
Charles FitzGerald had a busy career in both politics and the navy.
Political Roles
He was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Irish House of Commons. He represented different areas:
- County Kildare from 1776 to 1790.
- Cavan Borough from 1790 to 1798.
- Ardfert from 1798 until 1801.
He also held other important jobs. He was the High Sheriff of Down in 1783. From 1789 to 1792, he worked as a Commissioner of Customs. Later, from 1792 to 1806, he was the Muster-Master-General of Ireland.
Charles FitzGerald also served in the Royal Navy. He became a lieutenant in 1777. His first command was a small ship called Tapageur in 1779. He sailed this ship to Saint Lucia, but it was unfortunately wrecked in March 1780. Luckily, no one was hurt.
He quickly rose through the ranks. On May 23, 1780, he was made a post-captain. After this, he commanded several frigates, which are types of warships. He took part in the Battle of the Chesapeake in 1781. By 1790, he had become a Rear-Admiral.
Becoming Baron Lecale
On December 27, 1800, he was given a special title. He became Baron Lecale, from Ardglass in County Down. This made him a member of the Peerage of Ireland. For a short time, between January and April 1807, he also represented Arundel in the British House of Commons.
His Personal Life and Legacy
Lord Lecale was married twice. His second marriage was in London on July 18, 1808, to Mrs. Julia Carton. They did not have any children together.
He made a lasting change to Ardglass, County Down. At the end of the 1700s, he turned old 15th-century warehouses into a castle-like house. This building is known as Ardglass Castle. Today, Ardglass Castle is the home of the Ardglass Golf Club.
Lord Lecale died in Ardglass Castle in February 1810. He was 53 years old. Because he had no children from his marriages, his title of Baron Lecale ended when he passed away. His tomb is in Bright parish church, where there is a memorial plate in his name.
