James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Leinster
PC (Ire)
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portrait by Joshua Reynolds
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 May 1722 |
| Died | 19 November 1773 (aged 51) Leinster House, Dublin |
| Spouse |
Lady Emily Lennox
(m. 1747) |
| Children | 18, including:
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| Parents |
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James FitzGerald, the 1st Duke of Leinster, was an important Irish nobleman, soldier, and politician. He was born on May 29, 1722, and passed away on November 19, 1773. Before he became the Duke of Leinster, he was known by other titles like Lord Offaly, the Earl of Kildare, and the Marquess of Kildare. He played a big role in Irish politics and military affairs during his lifetime.
Early Life
James FitzGerald was born into an important family. His father was Robert FitzGerald, the 19th Earl of Kildare. His mother was Lady Mary.
His Career and Titles
James FitzGerald started his political career early. In 1741, he became a member of the Irish House of Commons for Athy. In 1743, he took over his father's title as the 20th Earl of Kildare.
In 1746, he joined the Irish Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King. A year later, when he got married, he received a new title: Viscount Leinster. This title was part of the Peerage of Great Britain, which meant he could also sit in the British House of Lords.
From 1749 to 1755, he was a leader of the "Popular Party" in Ireland. He also served as the country's Master-General of the Irish Ordnance from 1758 to 1766. This role put him in charge of military supplies. In 1760, he became a Colonel in the Royal Irish Artillery. He continued to rise in the military, becoming a Major-General in 1761 and a Lieutenant-General in 1770.
In 1761, Lord Kildare received even more honors. He was made Earl of Offaly and Marquess of Kildare in the Peerage of Ireland. Then, in 1766, he received his highest title: Duke of Leinster. This made him the most senior Duke, Marquess, and Earl in the Peerage of Ireland.
Family Life
In 1747, James FitzGerald married Lady Emily Lennox in London. She was 15 years old at the time. Lady Emily was a daughter of Charles Lennox, the 2nd Duke of Richmond. She was also one of the famous Lennox Sisters.
James and Emily had many children together. They had nineteen children in total. Some of their notable children included:
- William FitzGerald, who became the 2nd Duke of Leinster after his father.
- Charles FitzGerald, who later became the 1st Baron Lecale.
- Lady Charlotte Mary Gertrude FitzGerald, who became the first Baroness Rayleigh.
- Lord Henry FitzGerald, who became a general.
- Lord Edward FitzGerald, who was a leader in the 1798 Irish rebellion.
- Lady Lucy Anne FitzGerald, who also took part in the 1798 Irish Rebellion. She married Admiral Sir Thomas Foley.
James FitzGerald, the 1st Duke of Leinster, passed away in November 1773 at Leinster House in Dublin. He was 51 years old. He was buried in Christ Church Cathedral in the city. His son, William, became the next Duke of Leinster.
After James's death, his wife Emily married William Ogilvie in 1774. She continued to be known as The Dowager Duchess of Leinster. She passed away in London in March 1814, at the age of 82.
In Popular Culture
In 1999, a television series called Aristocrats was made. It was a six-part series based on the lives of Emily Lennox and her sisters. In the show, James FitzGerald, the Duke of Leinster, was played by the actor Ben Daniels.
