John Fitzgerald (governor) facts for kids

Sir John Fitzgerald was an Irish soldier who lived a long time ago, in the 1600s. He is most famous for being the leader, or Governor, of a place called Tangier in the 1660s. He was in charge of the soldiers there, known as the Tangier Garrison. Later, he also fought in a big war in Ireland called the Williamite War in Ireland (from 1689 to 1691). He was on the side of the Jacobites, who supported King James II.

Serving in Europe

Fitzgerald was a Catholic. After a period of fighting in Ireland known as the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, he had to leave Ireland. He went to live in other countries in Europe.

He led a group of Irish soldiers who were helping Charles II, who would later become King of England. These soldiers fought alongside the Spanish army. One important battle they were in was the Battle of the Dunes in 1658. Fitzgerald became well-known for his close ties with Charles' younger brother, James, Duke of York.

In 1660, Charles II became King of England again. This event is called the Restoration. After this, Fitzgerald's soldiers marched to a fortress in England called Dunkirk.

Life in Tangier

King Charles II had received Tangier as a gift from Portugal. Tangier is a city in North Africa, right by the Mediterranean Sea. The King decided to send Fitzgerald's soldiers and another Irish group led by Lisagh Farrell to protect Tangier. They would form the main army there.

At that time, there were special laws in Ireland called the Penal Laws. These laws made it hard for Catholics to join the main armies in Ireland or England. So, sending these Irish soldiers to Tangier was a way for them to serve the King.

Arriving in Tangier

The soldiers arrived in Tangier in 1662. The next year, the Governor of Tangier, Andrew Rutherford, 1st Earl of Teviot, put both Irish groups of soldiers together. Fitzgerald was put in charge of this larger group.

Becoming Governor

In 1664, Governor Teviot died during a battle against the local people, known as the Moors. This battle was called the Battle of Tangier. After Teviot's death, another officer named Tobias Bridge took over for a short time. Soon after, Sir John Fitzgerald was officially made the Governor of Tangier.

While he was Governor, Fitzgerald had a fight with another officer, Palmes Fairborne. This fight was a type of formal challenge called a duel.