BattlefieldsSiege of Maynooth Castle
Tudor

Siege of Maynooth Castle

1535
Kildare, Ireland
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Kildare, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Thomas FitzGerald, Lord Offaly (Silken Thomas)
Forces
Silken Thomas c.200–400 at Maynooth.
VS
Victor
Crown forces (Sir William Skeffington)
Forces
Crown forces c.500–800
Outcome
Castle taken; garrison massacred (Maynooth Pardon)
The Battle

History & Significance

The key engagement of Silken Thomas's rebellion against Henry VIII. After Thomas's father (the 9th Earl of Kildare) died in the Tower of London, Thomas renounced his allegiance and seized Maynooth — the Kildare family's great stronghold. Its fall, and the execution of its garrison, broke the rebellion. Thomas was captured and executed in London (1537) along with five uncles, extinguishing the Kildare dynasty as a political force.

Casualties & Losses

Garrison massacred after surrender

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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