The Murderous Stanleys of 15th-century Lancashire….

A POST ESPECIALLY FOR HALLOWE’EN…. Here is a tale of murder most foul that I think suits Hallowe’en, even if it didn’t actually happen at Hallowtide. It’s based on fact, and I first found it in Lancashire Folk Tales by Jennie Bailey and David England. Since then, in one form or another, it has also… Continue reading The Murderous Stanleys of 15th-century Lancashire….

Death in Drogheda: Thomas Fitzgerald, 7th Earl of Desmond

FAMILY BACKGROUND The FitzGeralds of Desmond traced their descent from Maurice FitzGerald, son of Gerald of Windsor and the Welsh princess Nest. The original Norman conquests were confined to the eastern parts of Ireland, and the Anglo-Norman lordship as created by Henry II was based on a clear division of authority between this area and… Continue reading Death in Drogheda: Thomas Fitzgerald, 7th Earl of Desmond