Sir Thomas Fitzgerald, of Lackagh

Sir Thomas FitzGerald was Lord Chancellor of Ireland

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_FitzGerald_of_Laccagh

Sir Thomas FitzGerald of Laccagh (c.1458-1487 ), younger son of the 7th Earl of Kildare, was Lord Chancellor of Ireland under Richard III and Henry VII, but rebelled against Henry and was killed at the Battle of Stoke.

He was born about 1458, second son of Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Kildare and Joan FitzGerald, daughter of James FitzGerald, 6th Earl of Desmond. He married Elisabeth Preston, daughter of Robert Preston, 1st Viscount Gormanston .Through his daughter Margaret, who married Garrett Wellesley, he was an ancestor of the Duke of Wellington. He resided at Laccagh in County Kildare, and despite his rebellion against the Crown his descendants retained the lands.

He became Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 1483 and on the change of dynasty the new Government confirmed him in office. In 1487 the impostor Lambert Simnel, claiming to be the Earl of Warwick, rightful heir of the House of York, appeared in Ireland. Thomas and his brother Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, were among his strongest supporters and were present at his coronation in Dublin. Thomas resigned the Chancellorship and led his troops to England; but the rebellion was crushed at Stoke and Thomas was killed.

• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Jul 21 2016, 16:36:04 UTC