Earl of Kildare

Earl of Kildare is a title in the Peerage of Ireland, created in 1316 for John FitzGerald. The title is inextricably linked to the powerful FitzGerald dynasty, who became the dominant Anglo-Norman family in Leinster and, for centuries, the effective rulers of Ireland as Lords Deputy. The earldom was elevated to a dukedom in 1766, but the original title remains in use as a courtesy title for the heir apparent.

History of the title

The title was created on 14 May 1316 by King Edward II for John FitzGerald, Baron of Offaly. This formalized the FitzGeralds' pre-eminent power base in the Pale, following their initial conquests after the Norman invasion of Ireland. The earls played a central role in the turbulent politics of the Lordship of Ireland, often acting with significant autonomy from the Crown of England. Their power peaked under the Tudor dynasty, particularly with Gerald FitzGerald, known as "The Great Earl," and his son Gerald, the 9th Earl, whose rebellion led to the Kildare Rebellion and the family's temporary downfall. The title was forfeited in 1536 but restored in 1554 under Queen Mary I. The political influence of the earls waned after the Williamite War in Ireland, but their social status culminated in 1766 when James FitzGerald, the 20th Earl, was created Duke of Leinster, the premier dukedom in Ireland.

List of Earls of Kildare

The Earls of Kildare, all of the House of Kildare branch of the FitzGerald dynasty, are numbered from the 1316 creation. Key successors include Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Kildare, who was appointed Lord Chancellor of Ireland. The most famous line descends from Gerald FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, a dominant figure during the reigns of Edward IV and Henry VII. Following the attainder of Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, the title passed to his brother Thomas FitzGerald, 10th Earl of Kildare. The direct male line continued through figures like George FitzGerald, 16th Earl of Kildare, who fought at the Battle of the Boyne for William III. The title merged with the dukedom upon the death of Robert FitzGerald, 19th Earl of Kildare, after which his brother James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster became the 20th and final Earl of Kildare as a separate peerage.

Family seat and estates

The primary historic seat of the Earls of Kildare was Maynooth Castle in County Kildare, built circa 1200 and the site of the infamous Siege of Maynooth in 1535. After the restoration, the family's power center shifted to Carton House, an Palladian mansion designed by Richard Cassels near Maynooth. Other significant estates included Kilkea Castle and vast lands across Kildare and Carlow. The Duke of Leinster's town residence was Leinster House in Dublin, later sold to the Royal Dublin Society and now housing the Oireachtas Éireann. The family's traditional burial place is the Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.

Notable holders and their roles

Gerald FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Kildare served as Lord Deputy of Ireland under several kings, effectively governing Ireland for decades. His son, the 9th Earl, led the Kildare Rebellion against Henry VIII, resulting in his execution at Tyburn and the subsequent direct rule from London. Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare, was a noted supporter of the House of Tudor during the Elizabethan era. In the 18th century, James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster, the 20th Earl, was a prominent political figure and the brother-in-law of the revolutionary Henry Grattan. Lord Edward FitzGerald, son of the first duke, became a leading figure in the Society of United Irishmen and a martyr of the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

Subsidiary titles and peerage

The Earl of Kildare historically held several subsidiary titles. The original feudal title was Baron of Offaly, created circa 1200. In 1747, the title Viscount Leinster was added to the peerage. All these titles became subsidiary to the Duke of Leinster in 1766. The heir apparent to the dukedom uses the courtesy title Earl of Offaly, while the heir apparent's heir uses the title Lord Offaly. The family also held the British title Baron Kildare (of the United Kingdom) from 1870 to 1893. The premier Irish baronetcy, FitzGerald Baronets of Kildare, is also held by the family.

Category:Earls of Kildare Category:FitzGerald dynasty Category:1316 establishments in Ireland