St Mary’s Abbey Renunciation
Archived: 18 October 2026
Abstract
In 1534, Thomas FitzGerald, vice-deputy and heir to Kildare, renounced Henry VIII at Dublin’s St Mary’s Abbey after his father Gerald was recalled and imprisoned in London. Claiming papal loyalty, Thomas besieged Dublin Castle, mobilised Geraldine, Gaelic and Pale support, and sought foreign aid, but faced opposition from towns, Butlers and royal officials. War brought raiding and devastation across surrounding regions; Archbishop John Alen was murdered after capture near Clontarf. Gerald died in the Tower in September, making Thomas earl. Sir William Skeffington’s October arrival with a royal army shifted the balance, leaving Thomas entrenched at Maynooth under a truce.