Richard FitzEustace
Encyclopedia
Sir Richard FitzEustace (c.1380- 1445 ) was an Irish statesman who briefly held the office of Lord Chancellor of Ireland
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. His father was Sir Maurice FitzEustace, High Sheriff of KIldare; his mother was Joan, widow of Sir James Delahyde. Another branch of the family acquired the titles Baron Portlester and Viscount Baltinglass
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in 1414. He was a Member of Parliament and on at least two occasions was charged with maintaining good relations with the English Crown. He was knighted before 1421.
He was appointed Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 1426 but held office for only three months; however he appears to have acted as Deputy Chancellor for the next ten years , and may briefly have held office again in 1436 .He died in 1445.
was High Sheriff of Kildare in his turn.
Lord Chancellor of Ireland
The office of Lord Chancellor of Ireland was the highest judicial office in Ireland until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. From 1721 to 1801 it was also the highest political office of the Irish Parliament.-13th century:...
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Family background
He was born about 1380 in Coghlanstown, County KildareCounty Kildare
County Kildare is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Kildare. Kildare County Council is the local authority for the county...
. His father was Sir Maurice FitzEustace, High Sheriff of KIldare; his mother was Joan, widow of Sir James Delahyde. Another branch of the family acquired the titles Baron Portlester and Viscount Baltinglass
Viscount Baltinglass
The title of Viscount Baltinglass was created twice in the Peerage of Ireland.The first creation was made on 29 June 1541 for Sir Thomas Eustace, who had been created Baron Kilcullen in September 1535. Both titles became extinct in 1585 on the death of the third viscount.The second creation was...
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Career
He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1408; High Sheriff of KIldare and Constable of Ballymore EustaceBallymore Eustace
Ballymore Eustace is a small town situated in County Kildare in Ireland, although until 1836 it lay within a "pocket" of County Dublin...
in 1414. He was a Member of Parliament and on at least two occasions was charged with maintaining good relations with the English Crown. He was knighted before 1421.
He was appointed Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 1426 but held office for only three months; however he appears to have acted as Deputy Chancellor for the next ten years , and may briefly have held office again in 1436 .He died in 1445.
Family
Around 1417 he married Katherine Preston, widow of William Lawless. Since Katherine as a widow was a Crown ward Richard was obliged to obtain a pardon for marrying her without the Crown's consent; at the same time he was forgiven certain debts.Their son Sir Robert FitzEustaceRobert FitzEustace
Sir Robert FitzEustace was an Irish landowner and politician.He was born at Coghlanstown, County Kildare, son of Sir Richard FitzEustace, briefly Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and Katherine Preston...
was High Sheriff of Kildare in his turn.