Description
Information about the family history and the coat of arms
Family history
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Family history Lord of Kerry
Lord of Kerry
The Lords of Kerry belonged to the House of FitzMaurice, a branch of the Geraldines. Their Irish history begins with Maurice FitzGerald, who took part in the Anglo-Norman landing in 1169. His grandson Maurice FitzThomas founded the line of Kerry and Lixnaw in the 13th century. The surname FitzMaurice – „son of Maurice“ – has now become the permanent name of the house.
From Lixnaw, the family ruled over Clanmaurice in the north of Kerry. They built castles, promoted church institutions and combined Anglo-Norman legal systems with Gaelic ways of life. The Lords were known in Ireland as Mac Muiris. Listowel Castle, built in the late 13th century by Maurice FitzMaurice, still commemorates their position today. The Franciscan monastery of Ardfert also became an important family residence.
His position between the powerful Earls of Desmond and the English Crown required diplomatic skill. Thomas FitzMaurice, the 16th Baron Kerry and Lixnaw, had initially served as a soldier in Milan. Upon his return, he claimed Lixnaw against rivals and a siege. Irish annals praised his enjoyment of fine horses, wine, and books – a colorful portrait of a Renaissance lord in Munster.
In the 17th century, the family continued to hold its position despite wars and losses of land. Thomas FitzMaurice, 21st Baron, was elevated to Earl of Kerry in 1723. His marriage to Anne Petty linked two important fortunes and names. Through their descendants, the house of Petty-Fitzmaurice was established; in 1784, the title of Marquess of Lansdowne was added.
When Francis, third Earl of Kerry, died in 1818, his titles passed to his cousin Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, third Marquess of Lansdowne. This continues the long line of Kerry within this house. Ruins at Lixnaw and Listowel, family archives and the name Clanmaurice preserve the memory of more than eight centuries of Irish family history.
Sources: Dictionary of Irish Biography, University of Galway Landed Estates, National Library of Ireland, Heritage Council Ireland, Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society
Coat of arms & Heraldry
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Family coat of arms Lord of Kerry
This Coat of arms corresponds to the historical tradition Coat of arms of the FitzMaurice line of Lords and Barons of Kerry. Blazon: In silver a red diagonal cross beneath a ermine shield.
The silver main part of the shield bears a wide red cross of St. Andrew. The upper quarter is set off as a separate silver shield head and is exclusively adorned with black ermine tassels there. Above the shield stands a dark tournament helmet with red-silvered crests.
The FitzMaurice House is a branch of the Geraldines and has ruled over Kerry and Lixnaw since the Middle Ages. The red FitzGerald cross shows the shared dynastic ancestry.
Sources: The Complete Peerage, Earl of Kerry. Surrey Coat of Arms, Coat of arms and Centaur Helmet Ornament. Detailed Histories
Overview of your title package
What the title of nobility contains
Discover the fascination of historical noble titles. With each appointment, you receive a first-class package that perfectly combines tradition, personal recognition, and stylish representation:
Your certificate
Authentic design with a historic flair: For each region, we create a certificate of appointment in the distinctive, country-specific style – complete with the appropriate coat of arms of your chosen title.
Share this special moment: Upon request, you will receive a free partner certificate and certificates for your children, so that the whole family can participate in the tradition.
Your own coat of arms
Each title comes with the corresponding historical coat of arms, which you receive as a high-resolution file. You can use it completely freely in private and professional contexts – whether on letterhead, business cards, or seals.
The Companion Book
The book „My Title“ takes you in detail into the multifaceted world of your new aristocratic title and offers valuable practical tips for everyday life, stylish guidance, and background information on history.
Our accessories
Golden ID Card
Crafted from premium aluminum in business card format, the gold ID Card makes your title look stylish and mobile.
Gold coins
Fine gold and silver-plated medallions combine coats of arms, names and titles in a glossy, unique design.
Emblem stamp
The self-inking stamp quickly, cleanly and precisely transfers your personal emblem onto letterhead paper.
My own wine
Choose fine red or white wine with an elegant, personalized label for a stylish look.
Wappen Gläser
The masterfully engraved wine glasses display their coat of arms, name and title in stunning brilliance.
Precision pliers
The elegant embossing pliers embellishes letterheads or documents with a tactile, colourless relief embossing.
Honorary membership
Membership of the Noble Society Institute enriches your title with another dimension of exclusive representation. Validated by a magnificent certificate in your name, with no ongoing fees or obligations.
