Mabel Digby facts for kids

Mabel Digby was an important noblewoman from a long time ago. She was known as the Lady of Dromana and Decies. Her exact birth and death dates are not known, but she lived during the 1600s. Mabel was the oldest daughter of Sir Robert Digby and Lettice FitzGerald, who was also a baroness. She was married to Sir Gerald FitzGerald, who was the Lord of Dromana and Decies.

During a big rebellion in Ireland in 1642, Mabel showed support for the Irish people. She even welcomed them at her home, Dromana Castle. Later, she gave the castle over to them.

Mabel's Family Background

Mabel was born in Coleshill, Warwickshire, England, sometime after the year 1598. She was the oldest of ten children born to Sir Robert Digby and Lettice FitzGerald. Her mother, Lettice, was known as the 1st Baroness Offaly in her own right. This means she held a noble title independently.

Mabel had several brothers and sisters. Her oldest brother was named Robert Digby, 1st Baron Digby. Another brother, Essex Digby, later became a Bishop of Dromore, which is a high position in the church.

Her Marriages and Children

Mabel first married Sir Gerald FitzGerald, who was the Lord of Dromana and Decies. He was the son of Sir John Og FitzGerald. People at the time said Mabel was "suitably English and Protestant". It was also said that she was a very strong person and had a lot of influence over her husband, Sir Gerald.

Mabel and Sir Gerald lived at Dromana Castle in County Waterford, Ireland. They had three children together:

• Sir John FitzGerald, Lord of Dromana and Decies: He passed away in 1664. He had one daughter, Katherine FitzGerald, Viscountess Grandison, who inherited his family's lands.
• Lettice FitzGerald: She married Major Richard Franklyn, who was a Roundhead (a supporter of the Parliament during the English Civil War).
• An unnamed daughter: She married Thomas Walsh of Piltown, County Waterford.

After her first husband, Sir Gerald, died in 1643, Mabel married a second time. Her second husband was Donagh O'Brien of Arragh.

The Irish Rebellion of 1641

A major historical event called the Irish rebellion of 1641 began on October 23, 1641, in an area of Ireland called Ulster. By December of that year, the rebellion had spread to County Waterford, where Mabel lived.

Even though her husband, Sir Gerald, supported the English side, Mabel showed kindness to the Irish rebels. In 1642, she welcomed them at Dromana Castle. She even provided them with food like "beefes, muttons, bread and beere." In the middle of September 1642, she gave control of the castle to the rebels. However, the English army soon attacked and took the castle back.

Mabel's Later Life

Mabel Digby passed away at Dromana, but the exact date is not known. Her only son, Sir John, died in 1664. After his death, Mabel's granddaughter, Katherine, inherited all of the Dromana estate.

The FitzGerald family was able to keep their lands during a difficult time known as the Cromwellian settlements. This was partly because they were Protestant. Also, Mabel's son-in-law, Richard Franklyn, helped them. He was a major in Oliver Cromwell's army, which gave him influence.