Edmund FitzGibbon facts for kids

Edmund Fitzgibbon (born around 1552 – died April 23, 1608) was an important Irish nobleman. He was known as the 11th White Knight, a special title passed down through his family. He belonged to the powerful FitzGerald dynasty.

Edmund Fitzgibbon was loyal to Elizabeth I, the Queen of England. His loyalty helped in the capture of his relative, James FitzThomas FitzGerald, who called himself the 16th Earl of Desmond.

Losing Family Lands

Edmund Fitzgibbon's father was John Óg Fitzgerald. In 1571, a special law was passed that caused his father to lose many family lands. Because of this, Edmund spent much of his life trying to get these properties back in the area of Munster, Ireland.

After the first of the Desmond Rebellions, Edmund went to France in 1575 with a rebel leader named James Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald. He came back to Ireland in July of that year. The next year, he managed to rent back a large part of his family's old lands from the Queen. He later traded this lease for a new one in 1579, which included even more of the family lands.

Loyalty to the Queen

As time went on, some government officials were unhappy that Edmund's lands were not given to the Plantation of Munster. This was a plan to settle new people on Irish land after the Second Desmond Rebellion.

Edmund Fitzgibbon often faced criticism from officials. His family enemy, Lord Roche, even accused him of helping the rebels. It was hard for Edmund to show complete loyalty to the Queen, especially when many of his own followers did not like the English crown.

Showing Bravery

In 1584, Edmund joined the Queen's representative, Sir John Perrot, in a military campaign in Ulster. He was praised for his bravery after being wounded in battle.

Later, in 1587, Edmund was arrested by the government. Some officials wanted him severely punished, but he was released in 1589 after promising to behave. He was good at staying loyal for a long time. In 1590, during a visit to England, he won a special grant that gave him back his family's ancestral lands.

Serving as Sheriff

In 1596, Edmund Fitzgibbon became the sheriff of County Cork. He did his job well. During the Nine Years War (1595-1603), some people suspected he was helping the rebel leader Hugh O'Neill. However, Edmund surrendered to Sir George Thornton in May 1600. He blamed his son John for joining the Queen's enemies.

The Queen's secretary, Sir Robert Cecil, advised the President of Munster, Sir George Carew, to be careful with Fitzgibbon. At one point, Edmund was said to have badly damaged the cathedral at Lismore.

Doubts about his loyalty grew when he failed to capture the rebel Earl of Desmond, James FitzThomas FitzGerald, in 1601. But Carew was happy with Edmund's actions after that. Eventually, Edmund did capture the rebel Earl in caves near Mitchelstown. As a reward, Queen Elizabeth I fully restored his lands and family titles through an act of parliament.

Loyalty to King James I

Life remained challenging for Edmund Fitzgibbon. In 1606, he was put in prison because he was suspected of disloyalty. However, he was released after promising to help against other rebels.

King James I gave him the title of Baron of Clangibbon. Sadly, Edmund died on April 23, 1608, at Castletown, County Limerick. He passed away without the official confirmation of his lands and titles. It was the day after his son Maurice died. They were buried together in the church of Kilbeny in Kilmallock.

Family and Descendants

Edmund Fitzgibbon first married Joan Tobyn. They had two sons and four daughters. He later married Joan, the daughter of Lord Muskerry. They had two sons who died young. Edmund's grandson, Maurice, inherited his estates. Edmund's daughter Eleanor married Finghin MacCarthy Reagh, who was the eldest son of Owen MacCarthy Reagh, 12th Prince of Carbery.