Walter Fitzsimon (died 1511) was a statesman and cleric in Ireland in the reign of Henry VII, who held the offices of Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor of Ireland.
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He was born in Dublin, son of Robert Fitzsimon and Janet Cusack. He was precentor of St Patrick's Cathedral in 1476, and consecrated Archbishop of Dublin in 1484. He was Lord Deputy of Ireland 1492-1494 and Lord Chancellor of Ireland 1496-1498. He died at Finglas in 1511.[1]
Like most of the Anglo-Irish nobility, he made the mistake of supporting the claim of Lambert Simnel to the English throne, and was present at his coronation in Dublin. After the Battle of Stoke he was pardoned and played a prominent part in the ceremony by which the Irish nobles expiated their treason. Soon afterwards he quarreled with the Earl of Kildare and was afterwards considered a reliable supporter of the Tudor dynasty. It may well have been his influence which prevented Perkin Warbeck from gaining any significant support in Ireland. In 1492 he became Deputy[2] and convened a Parliament at Dublin which was largely devoted to annulling measures taken against him by Baron Portlester. He saw himself as something of a social reformer, and urged the King to take stern action against beggars, most of whom in his view were perfectly well able to work but preferred to live off the land. On the other hand he urged that the younger sons of the nobility should be encouraged to learn a useful trade rather than live off their families.
He was Lord Chancellor of Ireland from 1496–1498; there is some doubt as to whether he resumed the office at a later date. O'Flanagan states that he was a diligent Chancellor, while not neglecting his duties as Archbishop:[3] he held a synod in Dublin in 1494 and in 1497 granted the Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral licence to build a hospital at Kevin St. for the poor.
He was much at Court and despite the Simnel episode seems to have had the complete trust of the King. O'Flanagan tells the story that the King asked Fitzsimon what he thought of a recent sermon: the Archbishop said it was unduly flattering of the King. The King, highly amused, replied that this was his opinion also.[4]
Ball describes him as a man of remarkable strength of mind and body and one of the most learned men of his time.[5] O'Flanagan calls him a man of great gravity and learning.[6]
| Catholic Church titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by John Walton |
Archbishop of Dublin 1484–1511 |
Succeeded by William Rokeby |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Henry Deane |
Lord Chancellor of Ireland 1496–1498 |
Succeeded by William Rokeby |
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