Thomas Eustace, 1st Viscount Baltinglass facts for kids

Thomas Eustace, 1st Viscount Baltinglass (born around 1480, died 1549) was an important Anglo-Irish nobleman. He became rich and powerful by staying loyal to the English King. Thomas was born around 1480 in Caslemartin, which is in County Kildare.

His Family and Early Life

Thomas Eustace was the son of Richard Eustace. His grandfather, Sir Edward FitzEustace, was a very important official called the Lord Deputy of Ireland. Thomas married Margaret Talbot, whose father was Sir Peter Talbot from Malahide Castle. Thomas died on July 31, 1549.

When Thomas was only 16, in 1496, he inherited his family's lands from his uncle, Rowland FitzEustace, 1st Baron Portlester. This family connection was very important. His uncle's daughter, Alison, married Gerald FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Kildare. Alison was also the grandmother of a famous rebel known as Silken Thomas. Because of this close family tie, many people in the Eustace family felt pressure to join Silken Thomas's rebellion against the King.

His Important Career

Thomas Eustace served as the High Sheriff of Kildare in 1523. He was also made a knight. Not much more is known about him until about 1534.

Loyalty to the King

During the time of the Silken Thomas rebellion, the Eustace family was divided. Some family members supported the rebellion because of their close links to the Fitzgerald family. However, Thomas Eustace chose to stay loyal to Henry VIII, the King of England.

The King rewarded Thomas for helping to stop the rebellion. In September 1535, he was given the title of Baron Kilcullen in the Peerage of Ireland. This meant he became a lord. It is said that he owned half of County Wicklow, along with his family's lands in Kildare and County Meath. He also gained lands from the Dissolution of the Monasteries, which was when the King took control of church lands.

Role in Parliament

Thomas Eustace played a big part in the Irish Parliament in 1541-1542. This Parliament is most famous for passing the Crown of Ireland Act 1542. This new law meant that King Henry VIII would now be called the King of Ireland, instead of just the "Lord of Ireland."

As another reward for helping to put down the rebellion, Thomas was given an even higher title. On June 29, 1541, he became Viscount Baltinglass. This title was also in the Peerage of Ireland. His main home was Harristown in Naas South, County Kildare. He passed away at New Abbey, Kilcullen.

His Children

Sir Thomas Eustace, 1st Viscount Baltinglass, and his wife Margaret Talbot had several children:

• Richard Eustace
• Alexander Eustace
• Robert Eustace
• John Eustace, who also became High Sheriff of Kildare
• Rowland Eustace, 2nd Viscount Baltinglass (born around 1505, died March 31, 1578)
• Anne Eustace, who married twice
• Janet Eustace, who also married twice
• Margaret Eustace, who married George Burnell
• Catherine Eustace, who married twice