Edward Plunkett, 4th Baron of Dunsany facts for kids

Edward Plunkett was an important Irish nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was the 4th Baron of Dunsany, which means he held a special title and had a lot of influence in Ireland. Sadly, he died in a battle during a big uprising in Ireland between 1520 and 1521.

Who Was Edward Plunkett?

Edward Plunkett was the oldest son of John Plunkett, 3rd Baron of Dunsany. His mother was Catherine Hussey. Edward took over his father's title in the year 1500, becoming the 4th Baron of Dunsany. We don't know exactly when he was born, but he was old enough to fight in the Battle of Knockdoe in 1504.

Edward's Family Life

Edward Plunkett married a woman named Anne (sometimes called Anny) de Birmingham. She was the daughter of Philip de Birmingham. Edward and Anne had one son who survived, named Robert Plunkett, 5th Baron of Dunsany. Robert later became the 5th Baron of Dunsany after his father.

How Edward Plunkett Died

In 1520, a major rebellion started in Ireland against the English King Henry VIII. This uprising was led by powerful Irish families, the O'Connors and O'Carrolls. The English leader in Ireland, Surrey, believed that Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare was secretly behind the rebellion. Kildare was a very powerful Irish lord, sometimes called an "uncrowned King of Ireland." He saw English rule as a threat to his family's power.

Fighting in the Rebellion

Edward Plunkett was known as a brave man. He had already fought in battles, including the Battle of Knockdoe, where he served under Kildare's father. When the new rebellion began, Edward gathered his own troops to help the English try to stop it.

Edward's Last Battle

On January 24, 1521, Edward Plunkett and his men were chasing the O'Connors. During the chase, his horse broke its leg. Edward was then killed right there by his enemies.

Where Edward Was Buried

Edward Plunkett was buried in a place called Killeen, not Dunsany. This was probably because his wife, Anne, had passed away earlier in 1500 and was buried there. Their tombstone is simple, with large Latin writing. It says, "Here lie the bodies of Sir Edward Plunkett, Knight, Lord of Dunsany, who was slain at Killaderry in Offaly in AD 1521, and of An(n)y Bermingham his wife, AD 1500." After Edward's death, his only surviving son, Robert, became the next Baron of Dunsany.