Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gerald FitzGerald
Earl of Desmond
Tenure	1558–1582
Predecessor	James, 13th Earl of Desmond
Successor	Forfeit 1582
Born	c. 1533
Died	11 November 1583 Bóthar an Iarla, Glenageenty Wood
Spouse(s)	Joan Fitzgerald Eleanor Butler
Issue Detail	James FitzGerald & others
Father	James fitz Gerald FitzGerald
Mother	More O'Carroll

Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond (born around 1533 – died 1583) was a powerful Irish leader. He owned a large part of Munster, a province in Ireland. He is famous for fighting against the English government in what became known as the Desmond Rebellions. Because of his role in these uprisings, he was often called the Rebel Earl. He was killed in 1583 while in hiding.

Early Life and Family

Gerald was born around 1533. He was the oldest son of James FitzJohn FitzGerald and his second wife, More O'Carroll. His full name was "Gerald FitzJames FitzGerald," which meant "Gerald, son of James, of the FitzGerald family." His father was the 13th Earl of Desmond.

The FitzGeralds of Desmond were a branch of the "Old English" Geraldines. These were families of Norman origin who had settled in Ireland centuries earlier. Gerald's mother, More O'Carroll, came from a native Irish family. Gerald had two brothers and five sisters.

Growing Up in a Time of Change

When Gerald was young, his father promised to send him to England for his education. This was part of an agreement with King Henry VIII. Later, when Edward VI became king, these plans were discussed again. Gerald was even supposed to be a companion to the young king. However, these plans never happened.

During this time, the FitzGeralds often fought with another powerful family, the Butlers. These two families were long-time rivals, and their disputes often led to violence.

Marriages and Children

In 1550, Gerald FitzGerald married Joan Fitzgerald. She was about 40 years old, while he was 17. This marriage was meant to create peace between the FitzGeralds of Desmond and the Butlers. Joan had connections to both families. She was a distant cousin of Gerald and was also the mother of the current leader of the Butlers, Thomas Butler. This marriage helped to stop the fighting between the two families for a while. They did not have any children together.

Joan died in January 1565. Soon after, Gerald married 20-year-old Eleanor Butler. She was the daughter of Edmond Butler, 1st Baron Dunboyne.

Gerald and Eleanor had two sons and five daughters:

• James (1570–1601), known as the "Tower Earl"
• Thomas
• Margaret, who married Diarmid O'Conor
• Joan (died 1598), who married Diarmid O'Sullivan
• Catherine, who married twice
• Ellen, who married three times and lived until 1660
• Ellis (Elisabeth), who married Sir Valentine Browne

Becoming Earl of Desmond

Gerald's father died on October 14, 1558. Gerald then became the 14th Earl of Desmond. A month later, he was knighted and promised his loyalty to the English Crown.

He soon became friends with other important Irish leaders, including Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare and Shane O'Neill. Even though the English government tried to settle the disputes between the FitzGeralds and the Butlers, fighting continued between them.

In 1562, Gerald was called to appear before Queen Elizabeth's court in London. The English thought his behavior was disrespectful, and he was sent to the Tower of London for a short time. He stayed in England until 1564.

The Battle of Affane

In 1565, Gerald tried to enforce his rights over Sir Maurice Fitzgerald of Decies. Sir Maurice asked for help from Thomas Butler, the 10th Earl of Ormond, who was Gerald's stepson from his first marriage. This led to a war between the FitzGeralds and the Butlers.

On February 8, 1565, the two sides fought a private battle called the Battle of Affane. During the fight, Ormond's brother shot Gerald in the hip, causing him to fall from his horse. About 300 of Gerald's men were killed.

As the wounded Gerald was being carried away, an Ormond commander asked, "Where is now the great Lord Desmond?" Gerald famously replied, "Where but in his proper place, on the necks of the Butlers?" This showed his defiance even in defeat.

Gerald was taken prisoner and later sent to London with Ormond. They promised to keep the peace. In 1568, Gerald and his brother were imprisoned in the Tower of London again. They had to give up their lands to the Queen.

The Desmond Rebellions

While Gerald was in prison, his cousin, James FitzMaurice FitzGerald, started a rebellion. He wanted to take over the earldom and gain foreign help, especially from Catholic countries. This became known as the First Desmond Rebellion. English forces fought against FitzMaurice, and he eventually surrendered in 1573.

Gerald's Return and Defiance

In 1573, Gerald was released from the Tower and allowed to return to Ireland. He was held in Dublin for six months but then escaped. He refused to follow English laws in his lands, insisting that only traditional Irish laws (called Brehon law) should be used.

He also captured an English officer, Captain George Bourchier. Gerald eventually released Bourchier but continued to defy the Queen's demands. The English government even considered offering a reward for his capture.

In 1574, many Geraldine chiefs signed an agreement to support Gerald. The English army then attacked Gerald's castle at Derrinlaur, killing his soldiers. Gerald surrendered in Cork, giving his lands to trustees. For a short time, it seemed like peace might return.

The Second Rebellion Begins

However, FitzMaurice, Gerald's cousin, had fled to France and then to Rome. He planned an invasion of Ireland with foreign soldiers. In 1579, FitzMaurice landed in Ireland with some Spanish soldiers. He was killed in a skirmish soon after.

Despite FitzMaurice's death, a papal legate (a representative of the Pope) tried to convince Gerald to join the rebellion. On November 1, 1579, the English declared Gerald a traitor. This marked the beginning of the Second Desmond Rebellion. Gerald's forces attacked towns like Youghal and Kinsale.

The English fought back, capturing castles like Carrigafoyle and Askeaton in 1580. Gerald's younger brother, Sir John of Desmond, was killed in 1581.

Death of the Rebel Earl

By June 1581, Gerald was hiding in the woods, but he still had many followers. By June 1583, the English offered a reward for his head. He was fleeing with only four men.

Gerald was killed five months later, on November 11, 1583. He was in Glenageenty Wood near Tralee, County Kerry. His followers had raided a farm, and the farmer alerted government forces. They found Gerald and his men at dawn in a cabin in the forest. The local chieftain who helped find him received a large reward from Queen Elizabeth.

Images for kids

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  Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond leaves via Lough Swilly for France, around 1575.