Christopher Fleming, 8th Baron Slane facts for kids
Christopher Fleming was an important Irish nobleman who lived a long time ago, from before 1474 until 1517. He was known as the 8th Baron Slane. This meant he was a powerful leader in his area. He also held a very important job: he was the Lord High Treasurer of Ireland from 1514 until he passed away. This job was like being in charge of all the money for the country!
Family Life
Christopher Fleming was the oldest son of James Fleming, who was the 7th Baron Slane. His mother was Elizabeth Welles. She was the daughter of William Welles, who was also a very important person called the Lord Chancellor of Ireland.
Christopher married twice. His first wife was Lady Eilis FitzGerald. She was the daughter of a very famous Irish leader, Gerald FitzGerald, the 8th Earl of Kildare. After Eilis passed away, Christopher married Elizabeth Stucley. She came from a well-known family in England.
Christopher's Children
Christopher and his first wife, Eilis, had three children:
- James Fleming, who became the 9th Baron Slane after his father.
- Eleanor
- Catherine, who married Sir Christopher Barnewall. When her brother James died without children, Catherine became the main heir to the family's lands and titles.
After James, the 9th Baron, passed away, the title of Baron Slane went to his cousin, Thomas Fleming.
Slane Friary: A Special Building
Christopher Fleming is best remembered today for building a special religious place. In 1512, he built a friary and a college for the Franciscan order in a town called Slane. A friary is a type of monastery where monks or friars live and study.
This new building was put on the site of an even older abbey. Even though the friary was later left empty, its ruins are still standing. They are one of the most famous and beautiful sights in Slane today. People can visit and imagine what life was like there long ago.
Images for kids
-
Affeton Manor, Devon, the home of Lord Slane's second wife, Elizabeth Stucley.
