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Lot Essay
Robert, 19th Earl of Kildare (1675-1744), an eminent statesman in the reigns of Queen Anne, King George I and King George II of Great Britain, was the son of Captain Robert FitzGerald and his wife Mary, daughter and heiress of James Clotworthy of Monnimore, co. Londonderry, whom he had married in 1663. Captain Robert was the second son of George, 16th Earl of Kildare (1611-1660). Robert, the 19th Earl inherited the title upon the death of his cousin John, 18th Earl of Kildare (1661-1707) who was the son of Wentworth, the 17th Earl (1634-1664) and Captain Robert's older brother.
Robert married on 7 March, 1709, Mary, eldest daughter of the 3rd Earl of Inchiquin and had four sons and eight daughters. He died on 20 February 1744 and was succeeded by his only surviving son, James.
The ledgers of the Dublin Assay Office for 15th October 1714 record the present box as a presentation to Robert, Earl of Kildare, as Lord Justice, to the cost of £30. The present example is the second oldest Irish gold freedom-box recorded. It is preceded by one hallmarked Dublin, 1706-08, also made by Thomas Bolton, and presented to Richard Freeman, Lord Chancellor of Ireland.
Robert married on 7 March, 1709, Mary, eldest daughter of the 3rd Earl of Inchiquin and had four sons and eight daughters. He died on 20 February 1744 and was succeeded by his only surviving son, James.
The ledgers of the Dublin Assay Office for 15th October 1714 record the present box as a presentation to Robert, Earl of Kildare, as Lord Justice, to the cost of £30. The present example is the second oldest Irish gold freedom-box recorded. It is preceded by one hallmarked Dublin, 1706-08, also made by Thomas Bolton, and presented to Richard Freeman, Lord Chancellor of Ireland.