Henry and Ireland 1169 and 71 Flashcards
(32 cards)
Who was Dermot MacMurrough and why did he seek help in 1166?
Dermot was King of Leinster, driven out by High King Rory O’Connor. He sought help from Henry II to reclaim his throne.
What authorization did Dermot receive from Henry II in 1167?
Henry issued a letter of patent allowing Dermot to recruit Norman knights from Henry’s dominions.
What papal document gave Henry a claim to Ireland before 1169?
Laudabiliter (1155), a papal bull from Pope Adrian IV authorizing Henry to reform and rule the Irish Church.
Who were the first Normans to arrive in Ireland and when?
Robert FitzStephen and Maurice de Prendergast landed at Bannow Bay on 1 May 1169 with ~500 troops.
What town did Dermot and the Normans first recapture in 1169?
Wexford, taken from Norse-Irish defenders shortly after the Normans landed.
What was the result of the 1169 campaign?
Dermot was restored as King of Leinster and began raiding into Ossory and Meath with Norman support.
When did Strongbow (Richard de Clare) arrive in Ireland and what did he do?
On 23 August 1170, he landed near Waterford, took the city by force, and married Aoife MacMurrough.
Why was Strongbow’s marriage to Aoife significant?
It gave him a dynastic claim to Leinster after Dermot’s death in May 1171.
What city did Strongbow capture by surprise in September 1170?
Dublin, the largest Irish city, seized in a surprise attack. Its Norse king, Ascall, was ousted.
What alarmed Henry II after Strongbow’s conquests?
Reports said Strongbow issued coinage, governed Dublin independently, and could form a rival feudal kingdom.
When and where did Henry II land in Ireland?
On 17 October 1171, he landed at Waterford with a fleet of 400 ships and around 4,000 troops.
What towns did Strongbow surrender to Henry II?
Dublin, Waterford, and other key ports — accepted as royal cities.
How did Irish kings respond to Henry’s arrival?
Many, including the kings of Munster and Leinster, submitted to Henry to avoid domination by aggressive Normans.
What did Henry II do to Strongbow’s titles?
He stripped Strongbow of his claim to kingship but confirmed him as Henry’s tenant-in-chief in Leinster.
Who was appointed governor of Dublin by Henry II?
Hugh de Lacy, a trusted royal agent, was appointed to oversee the administration.
What city did Henry II use for his Christmas court in 1171?
Dublin — demonstrating royal power and stability.
What was the Synod of Cashel and when was it held?
A church council in January 1172 that reformed Irish Church practices to align with Roman norms (canon marriage, clerical celibacy, etc.).
What did Pope Alexander III do in response to the Synod of Cashel?
He approved Henry’s lordship in Ireland and welcomed the reforms, securing papal legitimacy for the conquest.
Why did Henry II leave Ireland in April 1172?
Becket’s murder fallout and unrest in France required his attention. He had secured Irish and Norman loyalty before leaving.
What title did Henry adopt after his Irish intervention?
Dominus Hiberniae — “Lord of Ireland.” Later passed to his son.
Who was left to govern Ireland in Henry’s name after 1172?
Hugh de Lacy as justiciar, with garrisons in key towns.
How did Henry organize Irish governance?
Through direct rule in port cities and royal charters (e.g. Dublin) and indirect control via client Irish kings.
What did the Treaty of Windsor (1175) establish?
Rory O’Connor remained High King outside Norman areas but recognized Henry II’s overlordship and agreed to pay tribute.
How was Ireland governed after 1175?
A dual system: Anglo-Norman direct control in the east and south, Rory’s Gaelic rule in the west and north, both under Henry.
