Robert FitzGerald, 19th Earl of Kildare
Robert FitzGerald, 19th Earl of Kildare PC (Ire) (4 May 1675 – 20 February 1743),[1][2] known as Robert FitzGerald until 1707, was an Irish peer.
Background
Kildare was the son of the Hon. Robert FitzGerald, younger son of George FitzGerald, 16th Earl of Kildare. His mother was Mary, daughter of James Clotworthy.[3]
Career
Kildare succeeded his first cousin as Earl of Kildare in 1707[3] and was sworn of the Irish Privy Council in 1710.[3][4] In 1714 he served as Lord Justice of Ireland.[3]
Family
Lord Kildare married Lady Mary, daughter of William O'Brien, 3rd Earl of Inchiquin, on 7 March 1708. They had four sons and eight daughters, including:
- James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster (1722-1773)
- Hon. Richard FitzGerald
- Margaretta Hill, Marchioness of Downshire (died 19 January 1766), wife of Wills Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire
Lord Kildare died in February 1743, aged 68, and was succeeded in the earldom by his son James, who was created Marquess of Kildare in 1761 and Duke of Leinster in 1766.[3] A monument dedicated to him was created by Henry Cheere, showing how he was mourned by his wife and his surviving children Margaretta and James. This monument was first put at the north side of the choir of Christ Church Cathedral but later moved into the south transept.[2][5]
References
- ^ Quote from his monument in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin: He Died the 20 Day of February, A. D. 1743, in the 69th Year of His Age.
- ^ a b Casey, Christine (2005). The Buildings of Ireland: Dublin. New Haven: Yale University Press. p. 336. ISBN 978-0-300-10923-8.
- ^ a b c d e thepeerage.com Robert FitzGerald, 19th Earl of Kildare
- ^ leighrayment.com Privy Counsellors - Ireland
- ^ According to the plaque below the monument just his wife Lady Mary, and his children Margaretta and James survived him: He had Iſue Four Sons, and Eight Daughters: of which Number Only JAMES the preſent Earl, and the Lady MARGARETTA Survived Him.
| Peerage of Ireland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by John FitzGerald |
Earl of Kildare 1707-1743 |
Succeeded by James FitzGerald |
