Thomas Fitzmaurice, 18th Baron Kerry facts for kids

Thomas Fitzmaurice, 18th Baron Kerry (1574–1630), also known as Baron Lixnaw, was an important figure in Irish history. He was a leader who took part in the Nine Years' War. This war was a big conflict in Ireland during the late 1500s.

Early Life and Family Background

Thomas Fitzmaurice was born in 1574. He was likely born in Lixnaw, a place in Ireland. He was the oldest son of Patrick Fitzmaurice, 17th Baron Kerry. His mother was Joan (Jane) Roche.

What is a Baron?

A Baron is a title of nobility. It means someone holds a high rank, often with land and power. Thomas's father was the 17th Baron of Kerry. Both his father's and mother's families were known as "Old English." This term refers to families who came to Ireland from England after the Norman invasion in the 1100s. They had lived in Ireland for many generations. Thomas's mother was the daughter of David Roche, 5th Viscount Fermoy.

Thomas Fitzmaurice and the Nine Years' War

Thomas Fitzmaurice became involved in a major conflict called the Nine Years' War. This war was fought between Irish lords and the English Crown.

Joining the Rebellion

In 1598, Thomas followed his father and joined the rebellion. This meant they were fighting against the English Queen Elizabeth I. After his father passed away in August 1600, things became difficult for Thomas. Listowel Castle, an important family stronghold, was captured by Sir Charles Wilmot in November.

Seeking Support and a Pardon

Because of his role in the rebellion, Thomas was not offered a pardon. A pardon is an official forgiveness for a crime. He traveled north to seek help from other powerful Irish leaders. He spoke with Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone and Hugh Roe Ó Donnell.

Queen Elizabeth I was willing to pardon him, but only for his life. However, Thomas had managed to gather twelve galleys, which are large ships. He felt strong enough not to give up.

Seeking Peace and a New Start

After the northern army was pushed back in November 1601, Thomas needed to find safety. In February 1603, there was an attempt to capture him, but it failed. By October 1603, Sir Richard Boyle noted that Thomas was still active. He was trying to get a pardon from the new king, James I.

His request for a pardon was very successful. He was given back all the lands his father had owned. However, his son and heir was taken away. His son was raised by Donogh O'Brien, 4th Earl of Thomond as a Protestant. This was a common practice to ensure loyalty to the English Crown.

Later Life and Challenges

In his later years, Thomas Fitzmaurice faced several disagreements. He was part of the Irish parliament in 1615. During this time, he had a dispute with Lords Slane and Courcy about who should have higher rank. Thomas won this argument.

Family Disputes

Thomas also had a disagreement with his own son. He had promised his son a "jointure" when he got married. A jointure is a property or income given to a wife for her use after her husband's death. Thomas either could not or would not keep his promise.

His son complained, and Thomas was arrested. He was sent to the Fleet Prison in London. After a short time, he seemed to agree to keep his promise and was allowed to return home. However, he again refused to honor the agreement. He also came under suspicion of treason, which means disloyalty to the king.

Thomas was arrested again and sent back to London. Eventually, he was allowed to return to Ireland. He passed away in Drogheda on June 3, 1630. He was buried in Cashel, in the chapel and tomb of St. Cormac.

Thomas Fitzmaurice's Family

Thomas Fitzmaurice was married twice and had many children.

First Marriage and Children

Thomas first married Honora. She was the daughter of Connor O'Brien, 3rd Earl of Thomond.

Thomas and Honora had two sons and one daughter:

• Patrick Fitzmaurice, 19th Baron Kerry: He became the next Baron.
• Gerald: He passed away when he was young.
• Joan

Second Marriage and Children

Thomas's second wife was Gyles (Julia). She was the daughter of Richard Power, 4th Baron Power, of Curraghmore.

Thomas and Gyles had five sons and three daughters:

• Edmond: He became a colonel. He married Helen, who was the fifth daughter of Charles MacCarthy, 1st Viscount of Muskerry.
• Garret: He also became a colonel. He married Lucia Tuchet, daughter of Mervyn Tuchet, 2nd Earl of Castlehaven.
• Thomas: He married Ellen. She was the daughter of David Roche, 7th Viscount Fermoy. She had been married before to Donal MacCarthy Reagh and Charles MacCarthy, 1st Viscount Muskerry.
• Robert: He was a colonel in the army of King Charles I.
• Richard: He was also a colonel in the army of King Charles I. He passed away in a battle called the "Battle of Newbury." It is not clear if this was the First Battle of Newbury in 1643 or the Second Battle of Newbury in 1644.

• Catherine: She married John FitzGerald of Inishmore, who was the Knight of Kerry.
• Margaret: She married three times. First to Walter Birmingham of Dunfert, then to John Bourke, Lord Brittas, and thirdly to Charles More.
• Mary: She first married Patrick Purcell of Croagh.