Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, had…
1530 CE
Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, had been ordered to England in 1526 to meet the charges of Ormond (now Earl of Ossory through surrender of the higher title to the King) of having secretly assisted the Desmonds, and having murdered many good subjects because they were adherents of the Ormond and the Butler family.
On arrival in London, he was for a time committed to the Tower, and has been retained in England for four years.
When he was brought before the council, a violent altercation had ensued between him and Wolsey, which is reported at full length by Holinshed.
Wolsey is said to have obtained an order for his immediate execution, which his well-wisher, the Constable of the Tower, had frustrated by exercising a right (still inherent in the office) of demanding a personal interview with the King.
Liberated on bail for a time, Kildare had been recommitted on the discovery of his intriguing with the Irish princes to induce them to commit assaults on the Pale, so as to make his return appear necessary.
Liberated again, he is one of the peers who in 1530 signs the letter to the Pope relative to the divorce of Queen Catharine.
The same year, to the joy of his retainers, he is permitted to return to Ireland with Skeffington, the new Lord-Deputy.
On his arrival, he marches against the O'Tooles to punish them for ravages on his tenantry in his absence, then accompanies the Deputy against the O'Donnells.
The friendship of the Deputy and Earl does not last long, and they send letters and messages to the King accusing each other.
The Deputy, as might be expected, is supported by the Butlers.
Nevertheless, the Earl appears to have cleared himself, and to have been appointed to succeed Skeffington as Lord Deputy under the Duke of Richmond, who had been granted the office of Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.