Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare

Gerald FitzGerald, called the Young (* 1487 in Ireland; † September 2, 1534 at the Tower of London) also known as Gearóid Óg known, was ninth Earl of Kildare.

Family

Gerald FitzGerald was the son of Gerald FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, and his wife Alison Eustace. In 1503 he married Elizabeth Zouche ( 1493-1517 ), daughter of Sir John Zouche. Together they had one son:

• Thomas (1513-1537), 10th Earl of Kildare.

His second wife FitzGerald was with Lady Elizabeth (ca. 1500 -ca. 1540), a daughter of Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset. From this marriage three children were born:

• Gerald (1525-1585), 11th Earl of Kildare
• Elizabeth ( 1528-1589/90 )

• Edward ( * 1528), ∞ Agnes Leigh, he was the father of Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Kildare

Life

Gilbert was educated in England, where he was held as a hostage for his father. After he had received back the royal favor, Gerald was able to return to Ireland in 1504 and was appointed Lord High Treasurer.

In 1513 he succeeded his father and assumed both the County Kildare as well as its status as Lord Deputy ( viceroy ) of Ireland. Especially Cardinal Wolsey tried to oust him, at times FitzGerald was imprisoned in the Tower. Another enemy grew him in the Butler family of Ormonde, who used their relations with the new Queen Anne Boleyn to Gerald again set in the Tower, where he died on September 2, 1534.