Gerald FitzGerald 8th Earl of Kildare
d. 1513
Vitals
Family
About
Gerald FitzGerald, eighth Earl of Kildare, was called the Great Earl and governed Ireland for most of thirty years. When his enemies told Henry the Seventh that all Ireland could not rule him, the king is said to have replied that he had better rule all Ireland, and reappointed him. His daughter Margaret married Piers Butler, uniting the two houses that had spent a century at war.
Research notes
✓ DOCUMENTED (Wikipedia/Cokayne CP; web-confirmed 25 Jul 2026): GERALD FITZGERALD, 8TH EARL OF KILDARE - 'GEAROID MOR', 'the Great Earl' (c.1456-1513); LORD DEPUTY OF IRELAND 1477-94 and 1496-1513, effectively uncrowned king of Ireland; commanded at Knockdoe 1504; eldest son of the 7th Earl. m. Alison FitzEustace (dau. of Roland, 1st Baron Portlester). Father of Margaret, 'the Great Countess of Ormond' (our line). Direct ancestor. Added 25 Jul 2026.