Henry FitzGerald, 12th Earl of Kildare facts for kids
Henry FitzGerald, 12th Earl of Kildare (born 1562 – died September 30, 1597) was an important Irish nobleman and a brave soldier. He was known for his military skills and his role in Irish history during the late 1500s.
Becoming the Earl of Kildare
Henry FitzGerald was the second son of Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare and Mabel Browne. His older brother passed away in 1580. This meant that Henry became the Earl of Kildare in 1585. An Earl is a noble title, like a duke or a baron.
Henry "of the Battleaxes" and His Military Role
Henry FitzGerald was given a special nickname: Henry "na Tuagh." This means Henry "of the Battleaxes." He earned this name because of his fighting skills.
In 1588, he bravely fought against Spanish invaders in Ireland. Later, in 1597, he helped to stop an uprising. This was led by the Earl of Tyrone in a part of Ireland called Ulster.
During a battle near the Blackwater River in July 1597, Henry was badly hurt. He was taken to the town of Drogheda. Sadly, he died from his wounds on September 30, 1597.
Henry FitzGerald's Family Life
In 1589, Henry FitzGerald married Frances. She was the daughter of Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham.
Henry and Frances did not have any sons. Because of this, Henry's brother, William FitzGerald, 13th Earl of Kildare, became the next Earl.
Henry FitzGerald had at least two daughters who survived:
- Bridget (born around 1590). She first married Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell. Later, she married Nicholas Barnewall, 1st Viscount Barnewall. Bridget had children from both of her marriages.
- Elizabeth. She married Luke Plunkett, 1st Earl of Fingall. At the time, he was known as Baron Killeen. Elizabeth passed away in London in 1611. Her husband later married three more times. He became the Earl of Fingall in 1628.
