Edward FitzGerald-Villiers facts for kids

Edward FitzGerald-Villiers (born around 1654 – died January 1693) was an important Anglo-Irish soldier. He served in the English Army and was a member of the well-known Villiers family.

Early Life and Family Connections

Edward FitzGerald-Villiers was the oldest son of George Villiers, 4th Viscount Grandison. His mother was Mary, who was the daughter of Francis Leigh, 1st Earl of Chichester.

In 1677, Edward married a wealthy woman named Katherine FitzGerald. Because of this marriage, he received a lot of land and property in County Waterford, Ireland. To show his connection to this new inheritance, he added "FitzGerald" to his last name.

Edward's Children

Edward and Katherine had several children:

• John, who later became the 5th Viscount and the 1st Earl Grandison.
• William.
• Mary, who married a soldier named William Steuart.
• Harriet, who married Robert Pitt. Their son, William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, became a very famous British leader.

Military and Political Roles

Edward FitzGerald-Villiers had a successful career in the military. He reached the rank of Brigadier-General in the Army. He was also a Lieutenant-Colonel in a special cavalry unit called the Queen's Regiment of Horse.

Besides his military work, he was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Irish House of Commons, which was like the parliament in Ireland at that time. He represented the area of County Waterford.

His Legacy

Edward FitzGerald-Villiers passed away in 1693. When his father died in 1699, Edward's son, John, inherited the title of Viscount. In the same year, Edward's wife, Katherine, was also given the title Viscountess Grandison. This was as if Edward himself had lived to inherit the title. Katherine later married another soldier, General William Steuart.