Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Llanstephan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maurice FitzGerald
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A drawing of Maurice FitzGerald from a manuscript of the Expugnatio Hibernica, an account of the 1169 invasion of Ireland written in 1189 by Maurice's nephew, Gerald of Wales
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| Born | c.1105 |
| Died | 1 September 1176 |
| Title | Lord of Maynooth, Naas, and Llanstephan |
| Nationality | Anglo-Norman |
| Wars and battles | Siege of Wexford (1169) Battle of Crug Mawr Norman Invasion of Ireland |
| Spouse(s) | Alice de Montgomery |
| Issue | Thomas FitzMaurice Gerald FitzMaurice William FitzMaurice Maurice FitzMaurice Alexander FitzMaurice Robert FitzMaurice Nesta FitzMaurice |
| Parents | Gerald FitzWalter Nest ferch Rhys |
Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Maynooth, Naas, and Llanstephan, was a powerful knight from England and France. He was born around 1105, likely in Carew, Wales. Maurice was a very important person in the Norman invasion of Ireland, which happened in 1169. He passed away in September 1176 in Wexford, Ireland.
Maurice FitzGerald: A Warrior's Life
Maurice FitzGerald was a "Marcher Lord." This means he was a powerful lord who guarded the border between England and Wales. He fought in many battles. In 1136, he fought alongside his older brother William and half-brother Robert FitzStephen. This was at the Battle of Crug Mawr in Wales.
His castle, Llansteffan Castle, was very important. It stood overlooking the River Tywi. In 1146, a Welsh leader named Maredudd ap Gruffydd captured the castle. Maurice FitzGerald and his brother William were leading Norman settlers there. But the Normans took the castle back in 1158.
The Norman Invasion of Ireland
A king named Diarmait Mac Murchada (Dermot MacMurrough) was the King of Leinster in Ireland. He had been forced out of his kingdom by the High King of Ireland. So, Diarmait asked for help from the Normans in Wales.
Lord Llanstephan, Maurice FitzGerald, joined this effort. He took part in the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169. He helped his younger half-brother Robert Fitz-Stephen in the Siege of Wexford (1169). Maurice's nephew, Raymond, was a top commander for Strongbow. Raymond played a big role in taking Waterford and Dublin in 1171. Maurice and his sons, the FitzMaurices, also fought bravely in these battles.
Maurice's Family and Legacy
Maurice FitzGerald, Lord Llanstephan, married Alice de Montgomery. She was the daughter of Arnulf de Montgomery. Maurice and Alice had several children together. Their family became very important in Ireland.
Here are their children:
- Thomas FitzMaurice, Lord OConnello (died 1213)
- Gerald FitzMaurice, 1st Lord of Offaly (born 1150, died 1204)
- William FitzMaurice, 1st Lord of Naas (died 1199)
- Maurice FitzMaurice, 1st Lord of Kiltrany
- Alexander FitzMaurice
- Robert FitzMaurice
- Nesta FitzMaurice (who married Hervey de Montmorenci)
Maurice's second oldest son, Gerald FitzMaurice, became the 1st Lord of Offaly. He was the ancestor of the famous FitzGerald and FitzMaurice families. These families included the Earls of Kildare and Dukes of Leinster.
The original Earldom of Desmond was in the province of Munster. This land belonged to the family of Maurice's oldest son, Thomas FitzMaurice. Thomas's son, John FitzMaurice FitzThomas, became the 1st Baron Desmond. Other important families, like the Knights of Glin and Knights of Kerry, also came from this line.
