Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gerald FitzGerald (1525-1585), also known as the "Wizard Earl", was the 11th Earl of Kildare.
FitzGerald became the male representative of the Geraldines when only twelve years of age, after his half brother Silken Thomas—the tenth earl—was executed at Tyburn in 1537. FitzGerald was sent to the continent to be educated; when he returned to Kildare, his interest in alchemy caused much interest among those living around his Kilkea Castle, and he was said to possess magic powers. This interest earned him the nickname "the Wizard Earl".
The Earl died in 1585, and according to legend his ghost returns to the castle every seventh year, mounted on a silver-shod white charger.
| Peerage of Ireland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Thomas FitzGerald (forfeit in 1537) |
Earl of Kildare 1569–1585 |
Succeeded by Henry FitzGerald |
