Earl of Desmond

The title of Earl of Desmond has been held historically by lords in Ireland, first as a title outside of the peerage system and later as part of the Peerage of Ireland.

Related Topics:
Ireland - Peerage of Ireland

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The original Earldom of Desmond, based on land holdings in Munster belonged the Anglo-Norman Fitzgerald family, which was founded by Maurice Fitzgerald de Windsor, a key supporter of Strongbow in his invasion of Ireland. The title Earl of Desmond was first claimed by Maurice Fitzgerald, 4th Baron Desmond in approximately 1329http://www.compapp.dcu.ie/~humphrys/FamTree/Fitzgerald/1st.earl.desmond.html. Over time, according to English sources, the Fitzgerald family became highly assimilated to the local Irish culture.

Related Topics:
Munster - Anglo-Norman - Fitzgerald - Maurice Fitzgerald de Windsor - Strongbow - Maurice Fitzgerald, 4th Baron Desmond - 1329

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The final Fitzgerald Earl of Desmond was Gerald Fitzgerald, the 15th (or, by some counts, the 16th) Earl. The Fitzgeralds had resisted the Reformation of King Henry VIII and, after a series of rebellions, Gerald Fitzgerald was defeated and killed on November 11, 1583. His title, along with the enormous estates of his family, were forfeit to the English crown. Gerald's nephew, James Fitzgerald attempted to regain control of both during the Nine Years War, but he was captured by the English and executed in 1603.

Related Topics:
Gerald Fitzgerald - Reformation - King Henry VIII - Rebellions - November 11 - 1583 - English crown - James Fitzgerald - Nine Years War - 1603

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The second creation was in 1600 for James Fitzgerald, who was also created Baron Inchiquin. These titles became extinct on his death the next year.

Related Topics:
1600 - James Fitzgerald

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The third creation was in 1619 for Richard Preston, 1st Lord Dingwall, who was also created Baron Dunmore. On his death in 1628 the earldom and Irish barony became extinct while the Scottish lordship of parliament passed to his daughter Elizabeth Butler, who married James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde.

Related Topics:
1619 - Richard Preston, 1st Lord Dingwall - 1628 - Lordship of parliament - Elizabeth Butler - James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde

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The fourth creation was in 1628 for George Feilding, 1st Viscount Callan. William, succeeded to the earldom of Denbigh in 1675, and the two remained merged.

Related Topics:
1628 - George Feilding, 1st Viscount Callan - William - Earldom of Denbigh - 1675

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