Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Lanstephan

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Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Lanstephan^[1] (c1100 - 1 September 1176) was a major figure in the Norman conquest of Ireland.

He was the son of Gerald de Windsor, Constable of Pembroke Castle. His mother was Nest, a Welsh princess and former mistress of Henry I. He fought under Robert FitzMartin at the Battle of Crug Mawr in 1136. The exiled High King of Ireland, Dermot MacMurrough (Irish Diarmait Mac Murchada) sought his assistance to regain his position.

[edit] Family

The original Earldom of Desmond was based on land holdings in Munster belonging his descendents. His son Sir Gerald FitzMaurice (c1152 -c1203) married the daughter of Robert de Birmingham. Their son was Sir Maurice FitzGerald, Justiciar of Ireland, Lord of Offaly, (1190 - 1257, died at Youghal. His son was Sir Maurice FitzMaurice Fitz Gerald, Justiciar of Ireland, Lord of Offaly, (c1239, Wexford - 1286, Ross,Ireland)