Lucy Anne FitzGerald facts for kids

Lady Lucy Anne FitzGerald (born February 5, 1771 – died January 20, 1851) was an important Irish woman who believed strongly in political change. She was known for her support of new ideas and for standing up for what she believed was right. Lucy was a supporter of her cousin, Charles James Fox, who was a British politician. She also supported her brother, Lord Edward FitzGerald, and a group called the Society of United Irishmen. This group wanted Ireland to be a republic, meaning it would be governed by its people, not a king.

Lucy Anne FitzGerald's Early Life

Lucy Anne FitzGerald was born on February 5, 1771. She was likely born in Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland. She was one of 19 children born to James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster and Lady Emily Fitzgerald.

When Lucy was young, her father passed away in 1774. Her mother then moved to France with Lucy and her younger brothers and sisters. In France, her mother married the children's teacher, William Ogilvie. In 1781, Lucy and her family moved back to Ireland. Later, they moved to London, England.

Standing Up for Her Beliefs

Lucy and her mother both supported Charles James Fox. He was a "Whig" politician, which meant he believed in reforms and changes in government. Lucy was also greatly influenced by her brother, Lord Edward FitzGerald. He believed in a republic for Ireland and supported rights for Catholics.

From October 1796 to May 1797, Lucy spent time in Ireland. During this time, she met many of her brother's friends. These friends also believed in a republic for Ireland.

Lucy kept a diary where she wrote about her activities and her thoughts. Her diary gives us important information about what was happening in Ireland. It also tells us about her brother Edward's movements. She spent a lot of time with Edward's wife, Pamela. Both women enjoyed French revolutionary songs and Irish music. They both strongly supported the Society of United Irishmen.

Lucy's strong political views seemed to make some people not want to marry her. But she seemed to enjoy this! When one of her brother's friends was arrested, Lucy became even more determined in her beliefs. She worked hard in London to help get him released.

Continuing Her Brother's Work

After her brother Edward passed away in 1798, Lucy wrote an open letter. It was called To the Irish nation. She hoped this letter would help people remember her brother's ideas. She also wanted to help the cause of an Irish republic. However, her stepfather, William Ogilvie, stopped the letter from being published. He thought its ideas were too strong.

Lucy also wrote letters to Thomas Paine, a famous writer and thinker. She continued to write to her brother's friends even when they were held in Scotland. These letters are important because they show what people were thinking at that time. They also show some of the disagreements within the United Irishmen group.

Later Years and Legacy

On July 31, 1802, Lucy FitzGerald married Captain Thomas Foley. He was an officer in the Royal Navy. They lived on his estate in Wales and did not have any children.

After her husband passed away in 1833, Lucy lived in Arundel, England. She always remembered her brother Edward. She felt that a book written about him in 1831 did not show him accurately. In 1841, Lucy returned to Marseille, France. This was a city where she had lived as a child. She passed away there on January 20, 1851.]