Lady Joan Fitzgerald facts for kids

Joan Fitzgerald (died 1565) was an important Irish noblewoman. She was a member of the powerful FitzGerald family, also known as the "Geraldines."

Joan married three times. Her first husband was James Butler, 9th Earl of Ormond. Her second husband was Francis Bryan, a court official and a lord justice of Ireland. Her third husband was Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond. Her last marriage helped bring peace between two rival families, the FitzGeralds of Desmond and the Butlers. These families had been enemies for a long time.

After Joan's death, her husband started fighting her son, Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond, again. During her third marriage, Joan often wrote friendly letters to Queen Elizabeth I of England. The Queen knew Joan was good at solving problems and relied on her to keep peace in southern Ireland.

Early Life and Family

Joan Fitzgerald was likely born around 1514 in Munster, Ireland. She was the only daughter of James fitz Maurice FitzGerald and Amy O'Brien. Her father was the Earl of Desmond, a powerful leader.

The FitzGeralds of Desmond were a branch of the "Old English" Geraldines family. Another important branch was the FitzGeralds of Kildare. Joan's mother, Amy O'Brien, came from the O'Briens of Ara in County Tipperary.

Family Conflicts

In the 1520s, Joan's father, the 10th Earl, had many fights. He battled his neighbors, the lords of Muskerry, and the earls of Ormond. He also had disagreements with his uncle, Thomas fitz Thomas FitzGerald, known as "the Bald."

In 1520 or 1521, Joan's father lost a battle near Mallow, County Cork. He was defeated by the combined forces of his enemies. Later, in December, his enemies tried to capture him at Dungarvan, but they did not succeed.

Becoming an Heiress

Joan's father, the 10th Earl, died on June 18, 1529. He died in County Limerick, possibly at Castle Matrix. As his only legitimate child, Joan was his main heir. However, her great-uncle, Thomas the Bald, became the 11th Earl of Desmond.

Marriages and Influence

Joan Fitzgerald married three times, each marriage connecting her to powerful families in Ireland.

First Marriage to James Butler

Joan's first husband was James Butler, 9th Earl of Ormond. He was the son of Piers Butler, 8th Earl of Ormond. James and Joan married in 1530. Joan's dowry, which was like a gift of property, included land in County Tipperary. This land was located between the Desmond and Ormond family territories.

James and Joan had seven sons:

• Thomas (born around 1532), who became the 10th Earl of Ormond. He was known as "Black Tom."
• Edmund of Cloughgrenan (1534–1602).
• John of Kilcash (died 1570).
• Walter of Ballynodagh.
• James of Duiske.
• Edward of Cloughinche.
• Piers of Grantstown.

In 1539, Joan's husband became the 9th Earl of Ormond. This made Joan a countess. In 1546, her husband died suddenly in London. He was poisoned along with many of his servants. Joan, now a widow in her thirties, traveled to London. She made sure her son, Thomas, who was only 15, would be cared for properly. As a widow, she could manage her own property and played a big role in her family's affairs.

Second Marriage to Francis Bryan

In 1548, Joan married Francis Bryan. He was an English courtier and diplomat. This marriage was likely a political move. It was meant to stop Joan from marrying her cousin, Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond.

Joan and Francis returned to Ireland in 1549. Francis was appointed Lord Justice of Ireland. Sadly, he died suddenly in 1550 while traveling.

Third Marriage to Gerald FitzGerald

Joan did not wait long to marry again. Her third husband was her second cousin, Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond. Joan was about 41, and Gerald was about 17.

This marriage brought a period of peace between the rival Butler and FitzGerald families in Ireland. In 1558, Gerald became the 14th Earl of Desmond, making Joan the Countess of Desmond. Joan was very skilled at solving problems. She used her talents to act as a "peacemaker" between her eldest son, Thomas, and her new husband, Gerald.

Joan's Role as Peacemaker

Joan kept up a friendly relationship with Queen Elizabeth I. The Queen respected Joan's abilities and relied on her to keep peace in Munster. This was especially important after Joan's husband, Gerald, started fighting with her son, Thomas.

The two families began raiding each other's lands. Joan spent almost two weeks riding back and forth to try and settle their differences. In 1560, she successfully helped bring about a fragile peace. In 1562, her husband, Gerald, was sent to the Tower of London. Joan worked hard to convince the Queen to release him. She succeeded, and Gerald returned to Ireland in 1563.

In 1560, Joan also helped prevent a major battle near Tipperary. This event is known as "the battle that never was" because her efforts led to a peaceful outcome.

Death and Legacy

Joan Fitzgerald died on January 2, 1565, in Askeaton, County Limerick. She was buried at the Franciscan Friary of Askeaton.

After Joan's death, the relationship between her husband, Gerald, and her son, Thomas, quickly worsened. In 1565, they fought the Battle of Affane, where Thomas captured Gerald. The conflicts that followed, known as the Desmond rebellions, led to Gerald being called the "rebel earl." He was eventually killed in 1583.

Joan Fitzgerald is remembered for her important role in trying to bring peace between powerful Irish families during a time of great conflict.