Maurice FitzGerald the Invader
d. 1176
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About
Maurice FitzGerald was one of the leaders of the Norman invasion of Ireland, landing at Wexford in 1169 with Robert FitzStephen. He was a son of Gerald of Windsor and the Welsh princess Nest, and he founded the Geraldines, the family that would dominate Irish politics for four hundred years as Earls of Kildare and Desmond. This family descends from him, and from the Gaelic kings his invasion displaced.
Research notes
✓ DOCUMENTED (web-confirmed 25 Jul 2026): MAURICE FITZGERALD (c.1105-1176), one of the LEADERS OF THE NORMAN INVASION OF IRELAND 1169 - the eponymous ancestor of the GERALDINES (FitzGeralds of Kildare AND Desmond, and the FitzMaurices of Kerry all descend from him); half-brother of Robert FitzStephen; granted Maynooth and Wicklow. Son of Gerald of Windsor by the Welsh princess Nest. Father of Gerald FitzMaurice (our line). *** THE GERALDINE FOUNTAINHEAD - this Kildare line now converges with the tree's Kerry FitzMaurice and Desmond material at him (extendable). Direct ancestor. Added 25 Jul 2026.