FITZGERALD, Lord William Charles O'Brien (1793-1864), of Carton, co. Kildare.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1790-1820, ed. R. Thorne, 1986
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

23 Mar. 1814 - 1831

Family and Education

b. 4 Jan. 1793, 3rd but 2nd surv. s. of William Robert, 2nd Duke of Leinster [I], by Emilia Olivia, da. of St. George, 1st Baron St. George [I]. educ. ‘by Rev. John Smith at Woodnesborough, nr. Sandwich’;1 Eton 1805-8; Christ Church, Oxf. 1810. unm.

Offices Held

Biography

Fitzgerald was returned for county Kildare on the family interest, his uncle Lord Henry making way for him as soon as he came of age. In line with family tradition he voted steadily with opposition and supported Catholic relief. In his only known speech, 6 July 1819, he acknowledged his family’s gratitude for the reversal of the attainder on his uncle Lord Edward Fitzgerald, executed for his part in the rebellion of 1798. His attendance was not regular until February 1816, as he went abroad, but thereafter he could usually be counted on to muster for opposition.2 He died 8 Dec. 1864.

Ref Volumes: 1790-1820

Author: P. J. Jupp

Notes

  • 1. Walpole, Lord John Russell, i. 13.
  • 2. Add. 51585, Tierney to Lady Holland, 4 Jan. 1817.