Thomas FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Desmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas FitzGerald
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| Earl of Desmond | |
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| Tenure | 1529-1534 |
| Predecessor | James FitzMaurice FitzGerald |
| Successor | John FitzGerald, de facto 12th Earl of Desmond James FitzGerald, de jure 12th Earl of Desmond |
| Born | 1454 |
| Died | 1534 Rathkeale |
| Buried | Youghal |
| Nationality | Hiberno-Norman |
| Spouse(s) | Katherine FitzGerald |
| Issue | Maurice FitzGerald |
| Parents | Thomas FitzJames FitzGerald Ellice de Barry |
Thomas FitzGerald (born 1454, died 1534) was a powerful Irish leader. He was known as the 11th Earl of Desmond. An Earl was a very important noble, like a lord, who ruled a large area of land in Ireland. Thomas was the uncle of the Earl who came before him, James FitzGerald.
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Who Was Thomas FitzGerald?
Thomas FitzGerald became the Earl of Desmond in 1529. This happened after his nephew passed away. People knew him by two special names: Thomas the Bald and Thomas the Victorious.
A Strong Leader
Thomas was famous for his skills in battle. He won nine different battles, showing he was a very strong fighter. He even defeated two important lords from a place called Muskerry.
The King of England at the time, King Henry VIII, recognized Thomas as the new Earl. The King wanted Thomas to send his grandson to the royal court. This was a way for the King to keep an eye on important families.
Thomas politely explained that he could not send his grandson. Later, he promised to be loyal to the King. This was important because there were questions about who would be the next Earl after him. Thomas FitzGerald died in 1534 in Rathkeale. He was 80 years old and was buried in Youghal.
Connections with Spain
Thomas FitzGerald and the Earls of Desmond had strong ties with Spain. In April 1529, Thomas signed an important agreement. It was called the Treaty of Dingle.
This treaty was signed with Don Gonzalez Fernandez. He was the ambassador for Emperor Charles V of Spain. The treaty set out the rights for Irish people who moved to or were living in Spanish lands.
Dingle was a very important port in Ireland. It was a main place for importing wine. It was also a popular starting point for pilgrims. These were people traveling to a holy place in Spain called Santiago de Compostela.
The Old Countess of Desmond
Thomas FitzGerald's wife was Katherine FitzGerald. She was known as the "Old Countess of Desmond." She was born around 1460.
There is a famous painting of her in London. The painting says she visited King James's court in 1614. At that time, she was believed to be 140 years old! The painting also says she came from Bristol to ask for help. The Desmond family had lost their wealth and lands.
The story says she got married during the time of King Edward IV. Over her very long life, she supposedly grew new teeth twice! Her main home was at Inchiquin, in Munster. The painting says she planned to go back there after her visit to the King.
It is said that the Old Countess died at 140 years old. The story goes that she fell out of a cherry tree in her castle garden while picking fruit. While this is a fun story, it is very unlikely that she lived to be 140 years old.
