In the early 18th century, the 19th Earl of Kildare decided to make Carton House the family seat and Kilkea Castle was leased to a succession of tenants. One of these tenants was Thomas Reynolds, a Dublin silk merchant, who was a "friend" of Lord Edward FitzGerald, through whom Reynolds had become a United Irishman, only to become an informer. His role as informer did not prevent the castle (which had been renovated shortly before) being sacked by military during the rebellion.[citation needed] After Carton House was sold in 1949, Kilkea Castle became the seat of the 8th Duke of Leinster.[citation needed]