Dublin in County Dublin, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)

Silken Thomas

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 18, 2026

1. Silken Thomas Marker

Inscription.
In 1534, at the age of 21 years,
“Silken Thomas”,
of the Fitzgeralds of Kildare,
laid siege to Dublin Castle
from this vicinity.

The rebellion failed, and he was executed in London together with all of his uncles, by order of Henry VIII.

The Fall of the House of Kildare was a major factor leading to the Tudor Conquest of Ireland, which shaped the country we know today.

These wall panels, by Grace Weir, commemorate the Siege of 1534.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1534.

Location. 53° 20.54′ N, 6° 16.119′ W. Marker is in Dublin, Leinster, in County Dublin. It is at the intersection of Ship Street Little and Ship Street Great, on the right when traveling east on Ship Street Little. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Ship Street Little, Dublin, Leinster D08 K5X5, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Ancient East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hanna Sheehy Skeffington (a few steps from this marker);

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Jonathan Swift (a few steps from this marker); Entrance to S. Michael's le Pole Church Yard (within shouting distance of this marker); Dubhlinn & The Poddle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Clontarf (within shouting distance of this marker); Le Pole Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Metropolitan Police (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Michael Le Pole (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dublin.

Also see . . . FitzGerald, Thomas (‘Silken Thomas’) (Mary Ann Lyons, Dictionary of Irish Biography).

Following consultation with the advisers designated by his father, Offaly called a council meeting on 11 June 1534. He arrived in Dublin accompanied by up to 1,000 infantry and cavalry. Guarded by 140 horsemen whose headpieces were ‘gorgeously embroidered with silk’ (Holinshed, vi, 292), whence his sobriquet, ‘Silken Thomas’, he rode through the city to St Mary's abbey, where the council was in session, surrendered the sword of state, and denounced royal policy.

(Submitted on August 8, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York,
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 18, 2026

2. Silken Thomas Marker
The marker is located beneath the Ship Street Little street sign. Panels next to the marker illustrate the event.
New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.