Thomas FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Desmond

Who is Thomas FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Desmond?

Thomas FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Desmond was the uncle of James FitzGerald, 10th Earl of Desmond.

Alfred Webb tells us of this earl that:

"[He] succeeded on his nephew's death in 1529. He was known as 'Sir Thomas the Bald,' and 'Thomas the Victorious.' 'Far-famed was he in feats of arms; in nine battles did he win the palm of victory... Another subject for congratulation had this Earl — the two Lords of Muskerry fell beneath his sword.'[147a] He took up the intrigues of his predecessor. Lodge tells us that 'the King without hesitation established him in the earldom, merely endeavouring with friendly phrases to induce him to send his grandson and heir to his Majesty's court; which, with phrases equally amiable, the Earl showed the impossibility of his doing.' Eventually embarrassments attendant on the question of the succession obliged him to make every profession of loyalty to the King. He died at Rathkeale in 1534, aged 80, and was buried at Youghal."