FitzGerald dynasty

FitzGerald (Irish: Mac Gearailt) is a Hiberno-Norman noble and aristocratic dynasty, originally of Cambro-Norman and Anglo-Norman origin. They have been peers of Ireland since at least the 13th century, and are described in the Annals of the Four Masters as having become "more Irish than the Irish themselves" due to assimilation with the native Gaelic aristocratic and popular culture. The dynasty has also been referred to as the Geraldines and Ireland's largest landowners. They achieved power through the conquest and colonisation of large swathes of Irish territory by the sons and grandsons of Gerald de Windsor (also called Gerald FitzWalter, c. 1075 – 1135), the first Castellan of Pembroke Castle in Wales and progenitor of the FitzMaurice and FitzGerald dynasties. The family name means "sons of Gerald", with "fitz" from Anglo-Normanfils "son".

Gerald de Windsor's father, BaronWalter FitzOther, was the first Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle for William the Conqueror, and was the Lord of 38 manors in England, making the FitzGeralds one of the "service families", the King's strongest military supporters. Some members of the family became the Black Knights, Green Knights and White Knights.

The main branches of the family are:

• The FitzMaurices and FitzGeralds of Kildare (Earls of Kildare from 1316, later Marquesses of Kildare and from 1766 Dukes of Leinster and Premier Peers of Ireland). The current head is Maurice FitzGerald, 9th Duke of Leinster.
• The Fitzmaurices and FitzGeralds of Desmond (Barons Desmond, later Earls of Desmond).