James FitzThomas FitzGerald facts for kids

James fitz Thomas FitzGerald, also known as the Súgán Earl, was a leader in Ireland during the late 1500s. He claimed the important title of Earl of Desmond after the previous earl, Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond, was killed in 1583. James led a rebellion to try and win this title for himself.

His nickname, "Súgán Earl," means "straw earl" or "rope earl." This suggests that his claim to the title was not fully accepted by everyone, especially the English government. He was a grandson of James FitzGerald, 13th Earl of Desmond. However, there was a problem with his grandparents' marriage that made his claim complicated.

His Family and Early Life

James was the oldest son of Thomas FitzGerald and Ellice Power. His father was known as Thomas Ruadh, which means "Thomas the Red." Thomas Ruadh was the eldest son of James FitzGerald, 13th Earl of Desmond.

James should have been the next in line to become Earl of Desmond. But his paternal grandmother, Joan Roche, was a close relative of his grandfather. This kind of close family relationship was not allowed for marriage by the church at the time. Because of this, his grandparents' marriage was cancelled, or "annulled." This meant that James's father, Thomas Ruadh, was considered illegitimate, and he lost his right to inherit the earldom.

James's mother, Ellice Power, came from another important Irish family. Her father was Richard Power, 1st Baron le Power and Coroghmore.

Even though his father was disinherited, James and his family still felt he had a strong claim to the earldom.

Why His Claim Was Tricky

When James was old enough, he went to the English court to ask Queen Elizabeth I to recognize his right to the Earldom of Desmond. At first, the Queen seemed to consider his request and even offered him some money each year.

Because of this encouragement, James and his father stayed loyal to the English Crown during a rebellion led by James's uncle, Gerald FitzGerald (the 14th Earl). After Gerald was killed and his rebellion ended in 1583, James and his father hoped they would finally get the earldom back.

However, things changed. The English government had plans to take land in Munster (a province in Ireland) from the Irish people and give it to English settlers. So, James's petitions were no longer favored by Queen Elizabeth's court.

Leading a Rebellion

In 1598, James's brother, John FitzThomas, and a powerful Irish leader named Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, encouraged James to act. James decided to take on the title of Earl of Desmond himself. Soon, he had a large army of about eight thousand followers.

On October 12, 1598, James explained his reasons for rebelling to the Earl of Ormond. He said he was fighting to "maintain his right" because he felt he wasn't getting justice from the English.

James's fight lasted for three years. In 1598, he captured Desmond Hall and Castle in Newcastle West, but he lost it the next year.

Capture and Imprisonment

In October 1600, James was surprised by English soldiers while moving his forces. After this, his followers began to scatter. James went into hiding in the woods.

In May 1601, English officials learned he was living "in the habit of a priest" (disguised as a priest) and was determined to stay in the area, hoping for help from other Irish rebels or from Spain. It was difficult for the English to capture him because many local people protected him.

Finally, on May 29, 1601, James was captured by Edmund FitzGibbon FitzGerald, known as the White Knight. He was found hiding in a secret underground cave near Mitchelstown. James was put in chains to prevent anyone from trying to rescue him, as he was "exceedingly beloved of all sorts." He was taken to Shandon Castle and accused of treason.

The English leader, Sir George Carew, initially hoped to use James against another rebel, Hugh O'Neill. But Carew soon decided James was not useful for his plans. On August 13, James was sent to England and imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Later Life and Death

James spent the rest of his life in the Tower of London. Historians believe he died around 1608 and was buried in the Tower's chapel.

After James's capture, his brother John FitzThomas FitzGerald, who had also been involved in the rebellion, escaped to Spain. He was known there as the Conde de Desmond. John died a few years later in Barcelona. His son, Gerald, also called the Conde de Desmond, became a soldier for the Holy Roman Emperor. Gerald was killed in 1632 and had no children, which meant the direct male line from the four eldest sons of Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Desmond came to an end.

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