Edward Fitton, the elder facts for kids

Sir Edward Fitton the elder (born March 31, 1527 – died July 3, 1579) was an important English official. He served as a high-ranking leader in parts of Ireland called Connaught and Thomond, and also managed the government's money as the Vice-Treasurer of Ireland.

Life and Work

Edward Fitton was the oldest son of Sir Edward Fitton of Gawsworth. His father was made a knight in 1533.

In 1553, Edward Fitton became a representative for Cheshire in the English Parliament. He was later made a knight himself in 1566 by Sir Henry Sidney.

Leading in Ireland

In 1569, Edward Fitton was chosen to be the first Lord President of Connaught and Thomond. He arrived in Ireland in July and set up his main office. Soon after, he was surrounded by enemies in Galway, led by Connor O'Brien and the sons of Richard Burke.

The Lord Deputy of Ireland, Henry Sidney, sent help to break the siege. With this help, Edward and Richard Burke captured Shrule Castle, which was a very important place.

Battles and Challenges

While camping at Shrule Castle, Edward Fitton was attacked by local lords and their forces. He was knocked off his horse and badly hurt in the face. Over the next few years, he captured many castles in Galway and Mayo.

However, things became harder for him in 1571–72. The de Burgh family rebelled, supported by many Scottish fighters. Edward believed that Richard Burke, Earl of Clanricarde, was secretly encouraging his rebellious sons. So, he had Richard arrested and put in prison at Dublin Castle.

Disagreements and Return to England

Edward Fitton had a big disagreement with Sir William Fitzwilliam, who had become the new Lord Deputy of Ireland. This was about Richard Burke's imprisonment. After six months, Richard Burke was released. To show his loyalty, he even punished some of his own family members and followers who had rebelled.

Meanwhile, Edward Fitton was surrounded at Athlone Castle and asked for more help or to be removed from his position. In early 1572, Athlone Castle was burned down. Edward was called back to Dublin, and his job as Lord President was paused.

He returned to England in 1572 and lived at his family home, Gawsworth Old Hall. In December 1572, he was given a new job: Vice-Treasurer and Treasurer at Wars. This meant he was in charge of money for the government and for military campaigns.

In March 1573, he went back to Dublin. He was in charge of Gerald FitzGerald, the Earl of Desmond, who was a prisoner. Soon after, another quarrel broke out between Edward and Fitzwilliam. Queen Elizabeth I had to step in to help them sort it out. In June, Edward was given the job, along with others, to lead court meetings in Connaught.

Later, he refused to go to Munster to stop problems there after Gerald FitzGerald escaped from Dublin Castle. In 1575, he escorted Gerald FitzGerald, the Earl of Kildare, and his two sons to England because they were suspected of being disloyal to the Queen.

Edward returned to Ireland in September with Sir Henry Sidney, who was now the Lord Deputy. In 1578, he had a big disagreement at a meeting of the Irish Council. He refused to agree that the government's income had gone up, and only Sir William Drury supported him.

Death

Sir Edward Fitton died on July 3, 1579. He caught a disease during a trip into Longford. He was buried on September 21 in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, next to his wife, Anne. His oldest son and heir was Edward (born around 1548).

Family

Edward Fitton married Anne Warburton on January 19, 1539, when she was just 12 years old. They were married for 34 years before she died in 1573. They had 15 children together: 9 sons and 6 daughters. Their children included Edward junior, and Alexander, who was the grandfather of Alexander Fitton, a future Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Another daughter, Margaret, was the mother of a famous statesman, Sir Philip Mainwaring.