JF
John FitzGerald 1st Earl of Kildare
1250 – 1316
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Born
1250
Died
1316
Family
About
John FitzGerald was created first Earl of Kildare in 1316, which formalised what the family had been in practice for a century.
Research notes
✓ DOCUMENTED (Wikipedia/CP; web-confirmed 25 Jul 2026): JOHN FITZGERALD (FitzThomas), 1ST EARL OF KILDARE and 4th Lord of Offaly (1250-1316); created Earl 1316, rewarded for service to Edward I in Scotland; the 'monkey earl' rescued as a baby from a fire at Woodstock Castle (whence the FitzGerald monkey crest). Son of Thomas FitzMaurice by Rohesia de St Michel. Father of the 2nd Earl (our line). Direct ancestor. Added 25 Jul 2026.