Fitzgerald, Gerald, 9th earl of Kildare

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Fitzgerald, Gerald, 9th earl of Kildare [I] (1487–1534). Fitzgerald's father built up a powerful position in Ireland, and served as deputy for many years, dying in 1513. Fitzgerald had been a hostage in England and was well known to Henry VIII, four years his junior. He was appointed to his father's place as deputy and held the office until 1520. He accompanied Henry to the Field of Cloth of Gold. Reinstated as deputy in 1524 at the expense of his great rival Ormond, he was recalled in 1526 and sent to the Tower. He returned once more to Ireland in 1530 and was reappointed deputy in 1532. When he was recalled again in 1534 and imprisoned in the Tower, his son Thomas led a rising. Fitzgerald, who had been wounded in a skirmish the previous year, died in September 1534. He does not seem to have had the skill his father showed in navigating the turbulent currents of Irish politics and the precariousness of his position suggested that the English crown was growing in strength.

J. A. Cannon

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