| |
| 3. Ireland |
| |
(See 1272–1307)| |
| 1315 |
| |
| Edward Bruce, brother of Robert Bruce of Scotland, landed in Ireland and, with the aid of native chieftains, had himself crowned (1316). But he was able to maintain himself only until 1318. | 1 |
| The Anglo-Norman colony began to weaken from internal quarrels while Edward III was preoccupied with the Hundred Years' War. The chieftains thereupon seized the opportunity to encroach on the position of the outsiders. From this period dates the gradual ebb of English influence. The Black Death (1348–49). | 2 |
| |
| 1366 |
| |
| The statute of Kilkenny attempted to prevent intermarriage and protect (English) racial purity by forbidding marriage between native Irish and English; Irish denied access to church benefices. | 3 |
| |
| 1398 |
| |
| Expedition of Richard II to reduce Ireland, but without results. Under Henry V misery in Ireland reached a new peak and perhaps half of the English colony returned home. The danger in this situation is mentioned in the Libel of English Policie (c. 1436). Fear that Ireland might pass into other hands was widespread. | 4 |
| |
| 1449 |
| |
| Richard of York arrived as viceroy and ingratiated himself equally with colonists and natives. He departed to England in 1450, but on his return made Ireland virtually independent, with the approval of the Irish parliament. English rule was repudiated and a separate coinage was established. Richard continued this policy until his death, but then Edward IV resumed a harsh policy. Under Richard III the strongest figure in Ireland was Kildare, leader of the Yorkists. | 5 |
| |
| |
