James FitzGerald, 1st Earl of Desmond facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James FitzGerald
Earl of Desmond
Tenure	1600–1601
Predecessor	–
Successor	–
Born	c.1570
Died	November 1601
Parents	Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond Eleanor Butler

James FitzGerald (around 1570 – November 1601) was an important Irish nobleman. He took on the title of Earl of Desmond. This title had been taken away in 1582 after the Desmond Rebellions.

James spent most of his life as a prisoner. The English briefly gave him back his title in 1600–1601. They hoped this would help calm things in Munster during the Nine Years War. But his return was not successful. He soon went back to England, where he died quietly.

James FitzGerald's Early Life

James FitzGerald was the son of the 14th Earl and Eleanor Butler. He was born during the first Desmond Rebellions. Queen Elizabeth of England was even his godmother!

In 1579, his father joined a rebellion against the English Queen. James's mother decided to hand him over to Sir William Drury. Sir William was the English leader in Ireland. James was then held in Dublin Castle.

In 1582, his mother wrote to Lord Burghley. She was worried that James was not getting a good education. After his father died, James's guards asked for him to be moved. He was sent to the Tower of London in 1584. He stayed there for 16 years.

Life as a Captive

James FitzGerald was supposed to inherit the Earldom of Desmond. But in 1585, his father's lands were taken by the English crown. Most of the family's lands in Munster were given to English settlers. This was part of the Plantation of Munster.

However, many people in Munster were still loyal to the FitzGerald family. The English government worried about a future rebellion. This was also during the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604). The English feared Spain might help the Irish rebels.

James lived a difficult life in London. He seemed to be often sick. Records from 1588 to 1598 show payments for his medicines. In 1593, he wrote a sad letter to the queen's secretary, Sir Robert Cecil. But the English government had a specific plan for him.

Return to Ireland

In 1600, during the Nine Years War (Ireland), there were troubles in Munster. Hugh O'Neill, 3rd Earl of Tyrone was causing problems. Sir George Carew suggested a plan. He thought James FitzGerald should be shown around Munster.

The idea was to present James as the true Earl of Desmond. This would counter the popularity of another person. This person was James FitzThomas FitzGerald, known as the Súgán (Hayrope) Earl. The Queen was unsure at first. But Cecil convinced her it was worth the risk.

James was given the title of Earl of Desmond again. But he did not get his family's old lands back. He was given money, about £500 a year. He had to stay under the watch of Captain Price and Miler Magrath, an archbishop. They were to make sure he stayed loyal to the Queen.

Carew was told to watch James closely. He was ready to arrest him if he showed sympathy for the rebels. But James was allowed to appear free.

James's group left Bristol in October 1600. They were heading to Cork. But James got very seasick. So, they had to land at Youghal in south Munster.

Many people who supported the FitzGerald family welcomed him. The mayor of Cork was not as friendly. James was moved to Mallow, then to Kilmallock. This was the heart of the Desmond area. He stayed with the English commander, Sir George Thornton.

When he arrived, James praised the Queen. People liked him at first. The next day, a Sunday, he went to the Protestant church. His followers waited for him at the Catholic chapel. This disappointed the people, and they quickly made fun of him.

In November 1600, Castlemaine fortress was given to James. But he failed to gain the full loyalty of the people. So, the government soon stopped supporting him.

Later Life and Death

James FitzGerald was unhappy with his small allowance. Cecil also stopped him from marrying a widow named Norreys. They hoped he would make a better marriage in England.

In March 1601, James was brought to London. Carew wrote a letter suggesting he get land and a steady income. In August, James complained about being poor and ignored. He asked Cecil for some of the lands that the Súgán Earl had held.

James died in London in early November 1601. His death was not announced until January 1602. His guardians were then released from their duties. One of them, William Power, asked for money to help James's four sisters.

Images for kids

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  The coat of arms of the FitzGerald family.