Baron Offaly

There have been two creations of the title Baron Offaly, both in the Peerage of Ireland.

The first creation was for Gerald FitzGerald on 13 May 1554, who was also created Earl of Kildare at the same time and later restored to the senior earldom of Kildare (forfeit by his half-brother, Thomas) in 1569. The title (as well as the second creation of the earldom), became extinct in 1599 when the 13th earl's branch of the family became extinct and the senior earldom passed to his cousin, Gerald.

The second creation of the title was for Lettice Digby on 29 July 1620. She was the daughter of Gerald FitzGerald, Lord Offally (1559-1580; the eldest son of the 11th earl, who predeceased his father) and the wife of Sir Robert Digby. Her eldest son, Robert, was created Baron Digby on the same day. The patent of the barony stipulated that it was not to pass to Lord Digby, but instead to the head of the House of Kildare, who, at the time of Baroness Offaly's death in 1658, was George FitzGerald, 16th Earl of Kildare. The 20th earl was later created Duke of Leinster in 1766 and the dukedom and barony remain united.

Barons Offaly, Earlier creation

*Sir Maurice fitz Gerald, Baron of Offaly (c1152 -c1203) primogeniture grandson of Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Lanstephan [http://www.thepeerage.com/p15487.htm#i154864 thepeerage.com]
*Maurice fitz Maurice fitz Gerald, 2nd Baron of Offaly, (1190 - 1257), son; no male issue

Barons Offaly, first creation (1554-1599)

*Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare, 1st Baron Offaly (1525-1585)
*Henry FitzGerald, 12th Earl of Kildare, 2nd Baron Offaly (1562-1597)
*William FitzGerald, 13th Earl of Kildare, 3rd Baron Offaly (d. 1599)

Barons Offaly, second creation (1620-present)

*Lettice Digby, 1st Baroness Offaly (c.1578-1658)
*George FitzGerald, 16th Earl of Kildare, 2nd Baron Offaly (1611-1620)"for further Barons Offaly, see Duke of Leinster"

References