Thomas FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Desmond

Thomas FitzGerald
Born 1454
Died 1534
Rathkeale
Resting place Youghal
Title Earl of Desmond
Tenure 1529-1534
Nationality Hiberno-Norman
Predecessor James FitzMaurice FitzGerald
Successor John FitzGerald, de facto 12th Earl of Desmond
James FitzGerald, de jure 12th Earl of Desmond
Issue Maurice FitzGerald
Parents Thomas FitzJames FitzGerald
Ellice de Barry
Ireland in 1450, showing the Earldom of Desmond

Thomas FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Desmond (1454 - 1534) was the uncle of James FitzGerald, 10th Earl of Desmond.[1]

Alfred Webb tells us of this earl that:

"[He] succeeded on his nephew's death in 1529. He was known as 'Sir Thomas the Bald,' and 'Thomas the Victorious.' 'Far-famed was he in feats of arms; in nine battles did he win the palm of victory... Another subject for congratulation had this Earl — the two Lords of Muskerry fell beneath his sword.'[147a] He took up the intrigues of his predecessor. Lodge tells us that 'the King without hesitation established him in the earldom, merely endeavouring with friendly phrases to induce him to send his grandson and heir to his Majesty's court; which, with phrases equally amiable, the Earl showed the impossibility of his doing.' Eventually embarrassments attendant on the question of the succession obliged him to make every profession of loyalty to the King. He died at Rathkeale in 1534, aged 80, and was buried at Youghal."[2]

References


Peerage of Ireland
Preceded by
James FitzMaurice FitzGerald
Earl of Desmond
1529-1534
Succeeded by
John FitzGerald, de facto 12th Earl of Desmond and James FitzGerald, de jure 12th Earl of Desmond