CHAPTER III
From the arrival of the English, A.D. 1169, to the
death of Henry II AD 1189
In the month of May, 1169, the expected succours of Dermot Mac
Morrough arrived. Robert Fitz-Stephen, Meiler Fitz-Henry, Meiler
Fitz-David, and Hervey de Montmorency, together with thirty knights,
sixty esquires, and three hundred archers, landed at the Bann, in the
county of Wexford. On the following day an additional force of ten
knights and two hundred archers, under Maurice de Prendergast, reached
the same place. Thus was the first effort to conquer the kingdom
commenced; an attempt, which Sir John Davies terms "an adventure of a
few private gentlemen. They were, however, men of no ordinary cast, as
their subsequent successful career fully proves. Their first care on
landing, was to communicate the circumstance to the king of Leinster,
which they did by letter, dated the 11th of May, 1169 Dermot immediately
made the contents of the epistle public, when his subjects, who formerly
had deserted him in utmost need, now flocked to his standard in great
numbers; proving that fickleness and attachment to the power of the day
are prominent ingredients in the character of the multitude. On the
night of their arrival, the English encamped on the seashore, and on the
following day marched towards Wexford; where Donnell Kavanagh (natural
son of the king of Leinster), brought them a reinforcement of five
hundred men., Mac Morrough, himself, joined his new allies soon
afterwards, and renewed his former compacts with them. They then
determined on the attack of Wexford.
The garrison of this town were rather vigorous in their defence. Two
thousand of them made a sally; but the formidable array of the English,
the novel appearance of their armour, and their martial bearing
completely intimidated the Irish, and caused their instant retreat; not,
however, before they burned the suburbs of the town. Fitz-Stephen then
made his first attack, in which he was repulsed, and eighteen of his men
killed. This greatly incensed the invaders, and induced among them a
full resolution to obtain possession of the town or perish in the
attempt. With this view, they forthwith burned their ships, offered up
public prayers in the camp, and prepared for a second assault; but, at
this critical moment, some of the Irish clergy interposed, and the town
surrendered upon articles, on the fourth day of the siege. Dermot
immediately conferred Wexford and two cantreds of land adjoining on
Fitz-Stephen and Fitz-Gerald, according to his former stipulation, "and,
as a mark of his gratitude and favour to the Earl of Chepstow, le
granted two cantreds (situate between Wexford and Waterfowl to Hervey de
Montmorency or Mountmaurice, who acted as a species of envoy from
Strongbow on this occasion. Thus was the first settlement of the English
made in this island; from which small beginning, the final conquest of
the entire kingdom was in time effected.
Dermot Mac Morrough, being naturally in high spirits at the success
which crowned this first essay of himself and auxiliaries, invited the
English to his castle of Ferns, where three Weeks were spent in
festivity and rejoicing. The distinguished valour of his new allies was
a favourite theme of Dermot, who now proposed an expedition to Ossory,
the territory of one of his implacable enemies; to which they cheerfully
consented. This affair was also decided in their favour; the prince of
Ossory was defeated, obliged to swear fealty, and give hostages to the
king of Leinster.
These proceedings of the invaders did not escape the attention of
Roderic, the monarch of Ireland. He immediately called a general meeting
or parliament of the princes of the island, who unanimously resolved to
expel the English, and for this purpose raised a great army, with which
they marched into Hy-Kinsellagh.
The king of Leinster, unable to oppose such superiority of numbers,
as well from the inequality of his troops as the unsteadiness of their
attachment, (which, on the appearance of a reverse, became again
manifest), applied to Robert Fitz-Stephen, and stated to him in plain
terms, that unless they now made a signal effort, their cause was
hopeless, the kingdom of Leinster would be lost irretrievably. To this
address, Fitz-Stephen boldly replied, that, having left their country
and connections in order to espouse his quarrel, having destroyed their
ships, and exposed their lives in the cause, they would not now abandon
it. "Be you true to us' (continued he) and we will never be false to
you. Your royal spirit should contemn these hostile efforts, which can
be of no long continuance, for either death or glorious victory must
speedily deliver us from all our difficulties."
This speech much encouraged Dermot, who was naturally a man of much
bravery. He was, we are further informed, of large stature; and in
consequence of frequent commands or addresses to his followers, his
voice had become quite hoarse. It is added, that he desired to be feared
rather than to be loved; while; he exhibited true benevolence in raising
and protecting the poor or defenceless; a trait, often the concomitant
of a proud disposition.
By the advice of his faithful ally, Fitz- Stephen, the king of
Leinster retired to an almost inaccessible fastness near Ferns; which,
by raising embankments and felling trees, he speedily rendered
impregnable. Meanwhile, Roderic, conscious of the uncertainty of war,
was resolved first to try the effect of negotiation; and in pursuance of
this determination, addressed a letter to Fitz-Stephen, which he
accompanied by presents; but in this application his failure was signal.
The very curious epistle of Roderic, together with its equally singular
reply, RODERIC O'CONNOR to FITZ-STEPHEN: “The Britons may not by law of
arms, display their ensigns in foreign possessions, nor dispossess the
lawful heirs of their inheritance; but they are with licence of the
Irish to pack home. It is a blemish of their nation to give aid to a
shameful fact: neither may lechery of Dermot be mantled under British
cloaks. Wherefore depart, and forsake him, that is forsaken of God and
man; and here, by my messenger, receive to defray your charges, and
transport you to your native soil"
FITZ-STEPHEN'S ANSWER: “Your present I will not accept; nor will I
break the faith and troth, I have promised to my friend Dermot; he
forsaking not me, I will not forsake him, neither leave him distressed.
You speak of lechery, what is that among martial men? I hear you have
bastards yourself. To what end is your embassy? If Roderic give counsel,
we need it not; if his prophecy, we credit not his oracle; if he
commands as a prince, we obey not his authority; if he threaten as an
enemy, a fig for his monarchy”
He next entreated Dermot to abandon the English, and combine the
forces of Leinster with those of the kingdom at large, in order to
effect the expulsion of the invaders; in which event, the king of
Leinster was guaranteed the peaceable possession of his territory for
the future. But MacMorrough, actuated by a sentiment of honourable
attachment to his confederates, and perhaps lacking confidence in the
promises of Roderic and the other princes, rejected the propositions of
the monarch of Ireland.
Roderic had now no alternative. He prepared for the attack; first
addressing his followers in a speech of some length, in which he
virulently assailed Dermot, stating that he designed the extirpation of
the Irish, and for that purpose had introduced their most detested
enemies; that no mercy could be expected from him, and that the present
engagement would decide the fate of their country for ever.
MacMorrough spoke to his soldiery and people to the following effect:
—"Ye men of Leinster, the ties of kindred and the justice of our cause
have hitherto united us; let us not now fail in resolution, let us
manfully make our defence. Roderic, that grasping and wicked man,
desirous of universal sovereignty and dominion, now attempts to drive us
from our country, or effect our destruction. Surrounded by the multitude
of his followers, he is inflated with arrogance, and contemplates our
speedy downfall; but often hath it happened, that a small band of
valiant and well-appointed men have prevailed over superior numbers. If
Roderic make claim to the crown of Leinster, because some former king
may have been tributary to a sovereign of Connaught; then, by the same
rule, may we assert a right to the province of Connaught, as our
ancestors have been the sole governors and monarchs, not only of that
district, but of the entire kingdom. But, in short, he seeks, not to
rule as a monarch, but to usurp and destroy as a tyrant, to expel us
from our country, to possess himself of the inheritance of every
individual, and render himself master over all.
Many boast of their
great multitudes and place their confidence therein; but let them rest
well assured, that we Leinster men, though few in number, were never
yet, not are we now afraid to encounter with the best and proudest.
Because, victory is not obtained through numbers, but by virtue and
resolution, strength and courage. We have on our side, humility against
pride; against wrong we have equity; against arrogance, modesty; and to
intemperance, we oppose temperance and moderation; these Virtues will
combat for us on the day of trial. The laws of all nations permit US to
oppose force by force, and injury by strength; and that cause is just
which consists in a defence of our country and protection of our
patrimony. Let us be of good courage, inasmuch as we but defend our
rights, while they contend for gain. Our post is naturally one of
strength, which we have increased by industry; and from its confined
limits a small band will amply suffice for its defence."
We are further informed, that Dermot reminded his followers of the
resolute and powerful auxiliaries they possessed in the British, whose
valour had been proved ; he represented to them, that Roderic had no
pretensions to their respect from personal qualities ; that, besides
being a ruthless tyrant, [he bad three wives, then alive, and eleven
bastards ; that he murdered his natural brother, with several others,
and was guilty of numerous debaucheries; and that, in fine, the only end
of his specious pretences was the lasting subjugation of them and their
children.
When the king of Leinster had concluded his oration, Robert
Fitz-Stephen addressed his companions in the following words — “Ye
lusty young men and my companions in wars, who have abided with me in
many perils, and yet still of noble minds and valiant courage: if we
would now consider with ourselves, what we are, under what captain, and
wherefore we do adventure and attempt these great enterprises, no doubt
we shall excel in our wonted valiantness, and good fortune shall be' on
our side. We first came and descended from the Trojans, and since are of
the French blood and race: of the one we have these our noble and
valiant minds, and of the other the use and experience in feats of arms
: wherefore being thus descended of noble progeny by two manner of ways
and in two respects; as we be now well armed and appointed, so let us
also be of valiant minds and lusty courage : and then no doubt this
rascal and naked people shall never be able to resist nor withstand us.
Besides you see and know how that at home, partly by the subtle and
crafty dealings of our own cousins and kinsmen, and partly the secret
malice and devices of our familiars and acquaintances, we are bereft and
spoiled both of our country and patrimony. And now we are come hither,
not as greedy cravers for large stipends, nor yet as covetous prowlers
for gain and lucre: but only in respect and consideration to have and
enjoy the lands and towns to us, and to our heirs after us, offered and
promised. We are not come hither like pirates or thieves to rob and
spoil, but a faithful friends, to recover and to restore this noble and
liberal gentleman to that his patrimony, whereof he is spoiled and
dispossessed.
He it is that hath allured and flocked us hither; he it is
that loveth our nation: and he it is who purposeth to plant and settle
us and our heirs in this isle. And peradventure by these means the whole
land, which is now divided into five provinces or portions, may be
deduced and brought into one, and the same in time be wholly unto us and
our heirs: if that by our valiantness and prowess the victory be gotten,
and MacMorrongh by our service, means, and industry be restored, and
then the whole dominion to us and to our heirs for ever to be reserved.
— O how great were then our honour and glory! Yea so great, that with
the perils of our bodies, loss of our lives, and the danger of death, it
is to be wished for, sought and adventured. For why should we be afraid?
and what is death, I pray you ? Is it any other than a short delay or
distance of time, and as it were a short sleep between this transitory
life and the life eternal to come? What is death, I say, but a short
passage from vain and transitory things to perpetual and everlasting
joys? And certain it is we must all once die ; for it is that inevitable
destiny, which is common to all men, and can be eschewed of no man: for
be we idle, and do nothing worthy of perpetual fame and memory; or be we
well occupied, whereof ensueth praise and honour: yet die shall we. Then
the matter being so, let them be afraid of death, who when they die, all
things die with them: but let not them shrink or be dismayed, whose
virtue and fame shall never die but live forever. Wherefore ye worthy
men, who are ennobled for your valiantness and famous for your virtues,
let us with bold minds and good courage give the onset upon our enemies,
that in us our noble race and progeny be not stained, but that cither by
a glorious victory, or a famous death, we do achieve to perpetual fame
and honour."
Notwith standing all these preparations, no engagement ensued.
Roderic, having the fear of the English before his eyes, and continuing
unwilling to risk the issue of a general action, entered into
negotiations for peace; to which MacMorrough, enjoined thereto by his
critical circumstances, without difficulty assented. The terms agreed to
were the following: First, that Dermod should renew his homage and be
recognised king of Leinster. Second, that he should dismiss the English,
when the state of his affairs permitted. And third, that his natural son
Cothurne (or Art as some say) should be delivered as a hostage for the
due performance of the articles. The second clause was secret. The
hostage was delivered, and the country at peace, when Maurice
Fitz-Gerald, (half- brother by the mother's side to Robert Fitz-Stephen) landed at Wexford with ten knights, thirty esquires, and one
hundred archers; with which force Dermot marched to Dublin, in order to
punish that rebellious city, in which he succeeded. The inhabitants
renewed their oaths of allegiance, and gave hostages for their future
good behaviour.
While these scenes were passing, Roderic had entered the territory
of- Donnell, prince of Limerick, (son-in-law of Mao Morrough), to demand
chief rent, but he was defeated by Fitz-Stephen, who had been despatched
by the king of Leinster to the assistance of his relation.
Encouraged by these successes, Dermot began to entertain projects of
a more important character. His ancestors bad formerly enjoyed the rank
of monarch of the kingdom, and he now aspired to the dignity of being
their successor. Fitz-Stephen and Fitz-Gerald, to whom he first applied
for aid in the prosecution of his new design, declared themselves unable
to render him any effectual assistance in so extensive an undertaking;
but recommended him/ to state the matter to Strongbow, and again solicit
his support. The earl would, we are informed, have reached Ireland
before this period, had he not met with unwillingness on the part of
Henry II, to grant him the desired license. This monarch had learned the
proceedings of Fitz-Stephen, and felt somewhat displeased at his having
engaged in the service of the king of Leinster, without his express
permission. After much importunity, Strongbow received an equivocal
expression of leave to depart for Ireland; on which he commenced
immediate preparation for the expedition. In which task, the following
letter of MacMorrough tended to accelerate his movements: "Dermot
MacMorrough, prince of Leinster, to Richard, Earl of Chepstow, and son
of Gilbert the Earl, sendeth greeting. If you do well consider and mark
the time as we do which are in distress, then we do not complain without
cause not out of time: for we have already seen the storks and swallows,
as also the summer birds are come, and with the westerly winds are gone
again; we have long looked and wished for your coming, and albeit the
winds have been at east and easterly, yet hitherto you. are not come
unto us : wherefore now linger no longer, but hasten yourself hither
with speed, that it may thereby appear not want of good will, nor
forgetfulness of promise, but the injury of time hath been hitherto the
cause of your long stay.
All Leinster is already wholly yielded unto us: and if you will
speedily come away with some strong company and force, we doubt not but
that the other four portions will be recovered and adjoined to this the
fifth portion;. Your coming therefore the more speedy it is, the more
grateful; the more hasty, the more joyful; and the sooner, the better
welcome: and then our mislike of your long lingering shall be
recompensed by your soon coming, for friendship and good will is
recovered and nourished by mutual offices, and by benefits it groweth to
a more assuredness A.D. 1170. Previously to his own embarkation for
Ireland, Strongbow despatched Raymond, surnamed le Grots, with ten
knights and about one hundred archers, who landed in May, at the rock of
Dundonolfe, (since called Dundorogh), about six miles east of Waterford.
Raymond was nephew to Robert Fitz-Stephen and Maurice Fitz- Gerald,
being son of their elder brother William, and was a brave and expert
commander.* He lost no time in securing his position at Dundonolfe, by
raising entrenchments, and other means; the prudence of which step soon
became visible. For the citizens of Waterford, naturally alarmed at the
settlement of a body of foreign military so near their town, took
immediate steps to repel the invaders, and together with O'Phelan and
O'Ryan of Ondrone, proceeded to attack them. The Irish amounted in
number to three thousand men. A force so superior to that of the
English, that their instant annihilation might be expected ; but the
invaders, rendered desperate by their situation, performed prodigies of
valour, and finding their enemies in disorder, slew five hundred of them
and took seventy prisoners, who, by the advice of Hervey de
Mount-Maurice, (lately arrived from Wexford), were all drowned. "Our
victory," said Hervey to his party, "is to be so used, that the
destruction of these few may be a terror to many; whereby all others and
this wild and rebellious nation may take an example, and beware how they
meddle and encounter with us." A system of policy, long after adopted by
Oliver Cromwell, and upon which each individual will make his own
comment and form his own opinion.
In the month of September, A.D. 1170, Strongbow, with two hundred
knights and one thousand soldiers, landed in the haven of Waterford. He
was immediately joined by the King of Leinster, Fitz-Stephen,
Fitz-Gerald, and Raymond le Gross; which last was appointed general of
the field. They decided on attacking Waterford forthwith, and on the
next day, Raymond carried the resolution into effect. After two repulses
Raymond succeeded in taking the city; when every individual discovered
within it (except O'Phelan, prince of Decies, and a person named
Reginald) was put to the sword.
Immediately after, MacMorrough gave his daughter Eva to Strongbow,
when they were publicly married in the city, and he acknowledged
presumptive heir to the kingdom of Leinster, according to the original
compact.
Brief, however, was the time devoted by Strongbow to the softer
offices of love. Ambition, and the state of public affairs, both called
him into a state of activity. Orders were given for the army to march to
Dublin; which they reached through the defiles of Glendalough, the
direct route being impeded by the Dublinians, (Dubliners) who had again
rebelled. Mac Morrough hated the people of Dublin exceedingly; which is
not surprising, as they had murdered his father, and treated his remains
with great indignity. However, at the intercession of St. Laurence
O'Toole, archbishop of Dublin, he listened to their proposals for peace
; but on the expiration of the time allowed for the treaty, Raymond le
Gross and Miles de Cogan forced their way into the city, (21st Sept.
1170), sacked it, and committed great slaughter. Hastulphus, the
governor, with some of the higher class of citizens, escaped by sea.
Leaving Cogan governor of Dublin, Strongbow and Mac Morrough then
invaded east Meath, a territory of O'Rourke, in which they committed
great devastation. Roderic, the monarch, becoming alarmed at the
proceedings of Mac Morrough, wrote him a letter of severe rebuke,
threatening that unless he observed the terms of the late treaty, his
son's head must answer for the infraction of them. Dermot, under excited
feelings, replied that he would next proceed to the conquest of
Connaught; when Roderic cruelly ordered Art to be decapitated. It is
stated, that he at the same time ordered the execution of a son of
Donnell Kavanagh, who was also a hostage in his hands.
King Henry had become acquainted with the proceedings of Strongbow,
and felt no little jealousy and apprehension of the possible
consequences. He therefore issued a proclamation, forbidding the
exportation of any article into Ireland, commanding his subjects to
return from thence previously to the next Easter, and ordering them to
cease from further proceedings there, on pain of forfeiting their
estates in England. The earl decided on despatching an envoy to Henry II
who was then in Aquitaine. Raymond le Gross was selected for this
office, and became bearer of a letter from Strongbow to the following
effect: "My right honourable lord, I came into this land with your leave
and favour (as I remember) for the aiding and helping of your servant
Dermot Mac Morrough. And whatever 1 have gotten and purchased, either by
him or by any others, as I confess and acknowledge the same from and by
means of your gracious goodness: So shall the same rest and remain at
your devotion and commandment. "The king treated Raymond courteously,
but made no concession to the adventurers. A.D. 1171.
About the month of
May, Dermot Mac Morrough, King of Leinster, died at Ferns, where he was
buried. Immediately after, Strongbow proceeded to Dublin, in order to
preserve the possession of that turbulent city; but being debarred of a
supply of men or provisions, by the proclamation of king Henry, he was
reduced to great difficulties; while the almost total defection of the
Irish from his standard, on the death of Mac Morrough, did not lessen
the ills by which he was surrounded. Donnell Kavanagh, Mac Gelyof
TirBryn, (the territories of the O'Birnes, of which he was chieftain,)
and Auliffe O'Carvy, were the only persons who adhered to his cause. We
are further informed, that the earl, desirous of rewarding his faithful
allies, granted to Moriertagh the country of Kinsellagh, and to Donnell
Kavanagh, the plains of Leinster; of which districts they were
immediately called kings, the custom of the ancient Irish being to style
every lord of a country, king of the same.
Roderic O'Connor, and the other Irish princes, now thought they had a
favourable opportunity to effect the complete extirpation of the English
settlers ; to which undertaking they were incited by Lawrence,
archbishop of Dublin. They accordingly made formidable preparations for
the siege of the city. Meanwhile, Donnell Kavanagh, (called by
Cambreneis MacDermot, or the son of Dermot, and who seems to have been a
man of much skill, activity, and bravery), arrived in Dublin, having
passed with great difficulty through the enemy's possessions, and
informed Strongbow, that the people of Wexford and Kinsellagh, to the
number of three thousand, had besieged Fitz-Stephen in his castle of
Carrick, near Wexford, and that unless succour was offered within three
days, he must inevitably fall into the hands of his implacable enemies.
Dublin was now invested by Roderic, and his subordinate princes;
among whom we notice an O'Kavanagh, appointed successor of MacMorrough
in the kingdom of Leinster. He was perhaps another illegitimate son of
Dermot, (who left no lawful male issue), and brother of Donnell, who
adhered to the cause of the English. But this is mere conjecture. A
council of war was called by Strongbow, at which Maurice Fitz-Gerald
and Raymond le Gross delivered their sentiments, both expressing great
anxiety for the fate of Fitz-Stephen. They determined to make a sally
early on the following morning. At day-break, they carried their
intention into execution, with great gallantry; when Roderic narrowly
escaped being made prisoner, and the defeat of his forces was signal and
complete.
Having made due arrangements for the security of the city, Strongbow
marched on the following day to the relief of his compatriots at
Wexford. The opposition to which he was exposed on his route was
formidable in the extreme. Having reached the district of Hy-Drone, in
the present county of Carlow, he was assailed by O'Ryan, lord of that
country, and his followers. The Irish, having waited till the invaders
had arrived at a place bounded on every direction by woods, hills, and
morasses, seized the favourable opportunity, and suddenly attacked
Strongbow and his army.
The unexpectedness and violence of the onset, the ferocious cries of
the assailants, combined with a disadvantageous situation, threw the
English into disorder, and rendered the utmost efforts of their leaders
necessary, in order to prevent a total defeat. The skill and conduct of
Meiler Fitz-Henry was conspicuous on this critical occasion; he was
bravely performing his duty, when he was brought to the ground by a
missile from the enemy, and was with difficulty rescued. Animated by
their first success, the Irish had nearly obtained a complete victory,
when Nicholas, an English monk who attended the army, slew O'Ryan, the
leader of the Irish, with an arrow, when his followers fled, and thus
ensured to the English a successful termination of the contest. A very
affecting incident occurred in connection with this engagement. It is
said, that Strongbow's only son, aged then about seventeen years,
dismayed by the number and savage demeanour of the Irish, fled from the
field of battle to Dublin; but learning the favourable result, returned
to congratulate his friends on their victory; when Strongbow, having
upbraided him with his cowardly conduct, ordered him, with Roman
severity, to be instantly executed. It is even said, that he performed
the office of executioner himself, by cutting the body of his son in two
parts with his sword, an act, which, in a father, few will justify, and
still fewer commend, the scene of this rencontre was afterwards called
the Earl’s pass.
Meanwhile, Fitz-Stephen had been assaulted by the Irish, and having
surrendered on articles, was, in direct infringement of them, made
prisoner, and many of his associates killed. Strongbow heard these
melancholy tidings on his march to Wexford, and was further informed,
that if he proceeded to attack the town, the Irish would immediately
behead Fitz-Stephen and the other prisoners. With much reluctance he now
changed his route, and, so journing a short period at Ferns where he
exercised the rights of sovereignty, next proceeded to Waterford, where
Hervey de Mont Maurice handed him a letter from Henry II., commanding
his instant attendance at court. In compliance with the wishes of his
sovereign, he repaired to England, and with the assistance of Hervey,
succeeded in appeasing the displeasure which Henry entertained on the
subject of his proceedings in Ireland. The earl yielded to Henry, Dublin
and the other seaports, took an oath of allegiance, and was permitted to
retain the rest of Leinster, in subjection to the king of England and
his heirs. A.D. 1172. Henry, having made extensive preparations, now
embarked at Milford Haven, and in a few hours, reached the harbour of
Waterford, on the 8th of October. His force consisted of five hundred
knights and four thousand men at arms. When the king had landed,
Strongbow did homage for his kingdom of Leinster, and many of the Irish
princes came forward, voluntarily submitted to Henry, and acknowledged
him as their monarch. While, the people of Wexford immediately delivered
Fitz-Stephen into his hands. From Waterford, the king marched to
Lismore, and thence to Cashel, where he called a synod of the clergy,
and submitted to it the Bulls of Adrian IV., confirmed by one from his
successor Alexander III., by which the kingdom was transferred to his
jurisdiction. These documents were accepted by the synod, and Henry
became the acknowledged monarch of the island.
The king returned to Waterford from Cashel, and shortly afterwards
marched to Dublin. On his route, several Irish princes, and Roderic
among the rest, made their obeisance, and did homage to him as monarch.
Thus, says Giraldus, "was fulfilled the old and vulgar prophecy of St.
Molin: before him all the princes shall fall down, and under a
dissembled submission shall obtain favour and grace." Henry II observed
the festival of Christmas, at the Irish metropolis, with as much
splendour as the place permitted. There being no buildings of sufficient
extent in Dublin, a spacious one was constructed of smooth wattles,
according to the mode of the country; in which, by the introduction of a
profusion of plate and other costly articles, a degree of magnificence
was exhibited which astonished the Irish. According to one account,
Henry during his stay created three palatinates in Ireland, in imitation
of the counties palatine of Chester, Durham, and Lancaster; viz.,
Leinster, Meath, and Ulster. Each palatinate had its writs, courts,
seals, judges, officers, and every royal right. Of Munster no notice is
taken here. Besides, we have reason to think, that the king not only
made grants of Leinster, Ulster, Meath, and parts of Munster, but
created counties within these territories, subject to the laws of
England; which he possessed full right and liberty to perform. For, it
appears, that as the king's writs were sent into Ireland from the time
of the conquest, to hear and determine causes, there can be no doubt
that the English laws were given by Henry II to this country. It seems
also to follow inevitably, that he must have formed counties, sheriffs,
and other officers; for otherwise it would be almost impossible to
preserve his reservations in capite, or execute any portion of the law.
We have further very strong presumptive proof, that the various
officers of justice usual in England, were appointed by Henry II;
arising from a patent granted by him of land in Ireland, which Is
enrolled in a register of the reign of Edward HI., and runs as follows :
Henricus, Dei gratia, Rex Angliea, dux Normannie, et Comes Andegaves,
Archiepiscopis, Vicecomitibus, Ministris, Justiciariis, &c. salutem.
Translation "Henry, by the grace of God, king of England, duke of
Normandy, and earl of Anjou, to his archbishops, sheriffs, ministers,
justices, &c. greeting." Unless we imagine that his majesty directed his
patent to imaginary beings, there must have been at this period,
justices and sheriffs, and consequently counties in Ireland.
The generally received opinion is, that counties were first erected
by king John in 1210, thirty-eight years subsequently; but a high
authority states, that he merely effected a resuscitation of the
institutions of his father, which had been set at nought by the Irish
whenever they had sufficient power for the purpose. Cambrensis
despatches the matter in a few words, saying, that the king " set his
realms of Ireland in good order.'' Leland is of opinion that Henry made
a division of that part of the kingdom subject to him into shires or
counties. Those who support a contrary view, and fix 1210, as the date
of the existing divisions, are Cox, Guthrie, Seward, and many others.
It is important, however, that we should be fully aware, that,
although the English statutes were generally introduced at the time of
the conquest certain leading persons among the Irish had permission to
hold possessions within the king's jurisdiction as feodaries, paying
tribute, but not subject to the laws of England. Thus some of the
descendants of Dermot MacMorrough, and of some inferior chiefs, though
tributary to the king of England, continued for many years to govern
their septs according to the old Irish institutions.
From Dublin, Henry marched to Wexford, where he was detained by
tempestuous weather for three months. At length he departed on Easter
Monday, 1173, and the same day at noon landed at St. David's, in Wales;
having left Hugh de Lacy 'governor general or lord justice of Ireland.
Lacy being unable to manage the kingdom, the sovereign appointed
Strongbow in his stead, with Raymond Fitz-Maurice, surnamed le Gross,
whom we have had frequent occasion to notice, and who was one of the
most distinguished of the English knights, as his assistant. At this
period many of the Irish had revolted, the army was mutinous, and its
generals at variance. Raymond being appointed by Strongbow to the
command of the army, (A.D. 1174) immediately marches against the Irish
and defeats them; after which he departs for Wales, in consequence of
the death of his father. Hervey de Mont Maurice replaced him in the
command of the army, which caused much trouble to the earl. A.D.1175.
Hervey marches to attack the prince of Ossory, and is defeated, while
Strongbow is confined to the city of Waterford. This reverse of fortune
was a signal to the disaffected Irish, to shake off their allegiance;
they openly proclaimed an utter disregard of their former covenants and
engagements. Even Donnell Kavanagh, son of the late king of Leinster,
who had hitherto manifested a firm attachment to their cause, now joined
the ranks of the enemy, and asserted a claim to the throne of the
province.
This could not have occurred without strong cause. Very possibly
Donnell had met with some unfair or ungenerous treatment in reference to
his possessions, or perhaps the cruelty of Strongbow, (who it is said
caused a son of Donnell to be executed), might have led to his
defection. Under these circumstances, Strongbow wrote to Raymond,
offering him the hand of his sister Basilia, and entreating his speedy
succour; with which request the latter speedily complied, and reached
Waterford very seasonably. Thence Raymond and Strongbow marched to
Wexford, where the proposed marriage was solemnized; the bridegroom
receiving as a portion, Idrone, Glascarrig, Fethard, and the
constableship of Leinster. We here observe, that Idrone, formerly
granted to Donnell Kavanagh, was transferred from him to another; no
doubt, in consequence of his recent overt acts of disloyalty. Regan
informs us, that Idrone was, at the period of the arrival of the
English, a territory belonging to the O'Ryans, but they, in consequence
of their unbending opposition to the invaders, were, of course, deprived
of their possessions; this district was afterwards granted to Donnell
Kavanagh, and after him to Raymond le Gross, as just mentioned.
Scarcely had the marriage between Raymond and Basilia taken place,
when intelligence arrived, that Roderic had invaded Leinster. Strongbow
and Raymond marched immediately to Dublin, pursued the invader, and
killed one hundred and fifty of his followers. Among the slain was
Donnell Kavanagh, who fell in contest with a party of his own
countrymen, who were in the service of the English. A.D. 1176. In
September, this year, Raymond marched against the prince of Limerick,
and defeated him. He then left a garrison in Limerick; but speedily
heard from them, that they were besieged by Daniel O'Brien ; on which
Raymond, by desire of Strongbow, proceeded to their relief. For this
purpose he took a force of eighty gentlemen, two hundred horse, and
three hundred archers, with some Irish, under Morrough of Kinsellagh and
Donnell of Qssory. O'Brien retreated, and Raymond relieved the garrison.
Shortly afterwards, O'Brien gave hostages; as did also, Roderic, the
monarch, who placed his son in the hands of King Henry.
Richard de Clare, earl of Chepstow and Pembroke, Prince of Leinster,
surnamed Strongbow, died on the 27th day of May, 1177. He was son of
Gilbert, earl of Chepstow, and of Isabel, Aunt by the mother's side to
kings Malcolm and William of Scotland. He enjoyed the rank of earl of
Ogie, in Normandy, earl marshal of England, and vicegerent of Normandy,
as already Stated, he married Eva, daughter of MacMorrough, in whose
right he inherited the kingdom of Leinster, to which he was declared
heir during the life of Dermot. He was the chief instrument in
effectuating the conquest of Ireland. About the year 1174, the priory of
Kilmainhara was founded by him. He left but one child, a daughter, named
Isabel, who was immediately taken under the guardianship of King Henry
II; whose care she received until the event of her marriage, twelve
years afterwards. Giraldus furnishes the following account of
Strongbow's appearance and personal qualities: "The earl was somewhat
ruddy and of sanguine complexion and freckled face, his eyes grey, his
face feminine, his voice small, and his neck little, but somewhat of a
high stature: he was very liberal, courteous and gentle : what he could
not compass and bring to pass indeed, he would win by good words and
gentle speeches. ln time of peace he was more ready to yield and obey,
than to rule and bear sway. Out of the camp he was more like to a
soldier companion than a captain or ruler: but in the camp and in wars
he carried with him the state and countenance of a valiant captain. Of
himself he would not adventure anything, but being advised and set on,
he refused no attempts: for of himself he would not rashly adventure, of
presumptuously take anything in hand. In the fight and battle he was a
most assured token and sign to the whole company, either to stand
valiantly to the fight, or for policy to retire. In all chance of war he
was still one and the same manner of man, being neither dismayed with
adversity, nor puffed up with prosperity."
Basilia, the lady of Raymond, communicated the death of Strongbow to
him in an ambiguous letter, which displays much ingenuity ; conveying,
as it does, her intelligence, in a manner only to be understood by the
person for whom- it was intended. This very creditable specimen of
female tact, ran as follows: To Raymond her most loving lord and
husband, his own Basilia wisheth health as to herself. Know ye my dear
lord, that my great cheek-tooth, which was wont to ache so much, is now
fallen out; wherefore, if ye have any care or regard of me, or of
yourself come away with all speed." Raymond having for a moment weighed
the contents of this letter, (written in a style which the circumstances
of the time rendered necessary), immediately perceived its meaning, and
forthwith returned to the capital. On his arrival there, he was
appointed lord deputy, by the council, A.D 1177. The same year he was
superseded by William Fitz-Adelm, who treated Raymond, the Geraldines,
and all the first settlers, with great disfavour. He created his nephew,
Walter Almainy seneschal of Wexford and Waterford; who was every way
unworthy of the appointment, inasmuch as among other delinquencies, he
received bribes from MacMorrough of Kinsellagh, as an inducement to
injure Raymond le Gross. He was recalled, and replaced in 1179, by Hugh
de Lacy, the grantee of Meath.
This very able man was sensible that in a strange country, and'
surrounded by enemies, the English could only maintain possession by
superior skill and means of defence. He therefore castellated his own
district of Meath, and a great part of Leinster. The castles of Carlow,
Leighlin-bridge, and Tullow were built by him. The erection of the
former structure has been attributed to various other persons; among the
rest to Eva, daughter of Dermot Mac Morrough, to Isabel, daughter of
Strongbow, to king John, to Hugh le Bigod, fourth earl of Norfolk and to
Bellingham, lord) deputy of Ireland. With regard to the first, we do not
find that the statement is supported by any ancient record ; Eva, or
rather Strongbow, her husband, was obviously so much engaged in-
prospering the existing possessions during his very brief career, as to
be completely precluded from devoting time to the erection of extensive
structures. With regard to Isabel; she was conveyed to England on the
death of her father and remained there till her marriage in 1189, and we
have no positive evidence, that she returned to Ireland. The castle was
certainly in existence previously to the connection of the earl of
Norfolk with this country. For we find, that William, Earl Marshal, in
his charter to Carlow (as hereafter inserted) mentions "the castle;" and
the earl of Norfolk first acquired his property in Ireland, by marriage
with the daughter of the said Earl Marshal. Respecting Bellingham, the
assertion is preposterous; as will at once appear, upon mention of the
year of his deputyship, which was 1548. Authority, collateral evidence
and verisimilitude, all fix upon de Lacy as the founder of the castle of
Carlow.
Were further evidence necessary in reference to the founder of the
castle of Carlow, we could bring Hanmer into the field; who states, that
Lacy built those of Carlow and Leighlin. Though he observes, that some
represent Eva, the lady of Strongbow, as the founder; which he doubts,
as he considers it evident, that all the castles in Ireland were built
by the Danes and English. Hooker states, that, "by the course of history
it is plain, that the castles built in Leinster, were done by the
Englishmen only, and for their defence and safety." Hanmer informs us
further, that Lacy built a castle in Fotheret Onolan for Raymond, and
another for Griffin his brother, the sons of William Fitz Gerald. This
Fotheret Onolan must be the same district as Foert Onolan, afterwards
called the barony of Forth, in the county of Carlow. Several notices of
Foert Onolan will be found in a subsequent part of this work.
The castle at Leighlin-bridge was anciently called the Black Castle,
and was of great strength. Robert Powre was appointed to the charge of
it by Henry II; but relinquished his post through cowardice. Touching
this person's conduct Cambrensis (a co-temporary) exclaims as follows: "
O what worthy champions and fit marchmen were this Powre and Fitz-Adelm
(the late lord deputy), to be sent to dwell and rule in a nation, which
is destitute and wanteth noble and valiant men ! But a man may see the
course of fortune, who when she is disposed to smile, how she advanced
and raised up men from base estate to high degrees; for why these two
had more pleasure in chambering and playing the wanton with young girls,
and to play upon a harp, than to bear a shield, or staff, or to wear
armour. And truly it was to be marvelled, that so noble a prince could
send such cowards to bear rule, and have authority in places of
service." Roger le Powre, constable of Leighlin, was a man of much fame
and high credit about this time. A. D. 1180. This year Laurence,
otherwise St. Laurence O'Toole, archbishop of Dublin; died at the castle
of Angiers, in; Normandy; about the month of December. He is said to
have been an illegitimate son of one Maurice. This latter being at
continual variance with Dermot MacMorrough, king of Leinster, at length
agreed to a treaty of peace, and delivered his youngest son Laurence
into Dermot's hands, as a hostage for the faithful performance of his
part of the compact. Dermot sent him to a barren, uncultivated part of
the country as a sort of prisoner, where he was in imminent danger of
perishing by famine. Maurice being apprised of this fact, seized on
twelve of MacMorrough's principal followers, incarcerated them, and
notified to the king of Leinster, that he would behead them, unless he
restored Laurence from his miserable captivity and returned him to his
father. Dermot released the youth, and delivered him, not to his father,
but into the hands of the bishop of Glendalough, who entrusted the care
of his education to his chaplain. Laurence was brought up so carefully,
so perfectly was he trained to the practice of virtue, that, shortly
after, he was appointed to the high office of abbot of Glendalough; and
not long subsequently, was raised to the still higher post of archbishop
of Dublin. He was, we are informed, a just and a good man. Henry II,
however, held him in considerable suspicion, as he had attended the
council of Lateran, and there inveighed much against the honour and
conduct of the king of England. For which reason, on his return
homewards, he was detained in Normandy, and died there as above
mentioned.
In the month of July, 1184, John Comin, archbishop of Dublin, arrived
in Ireland, to prepare for the reception of the king's youngest son,
John, earl of Moreton; to whom the kingdom of Ireland was assigned as
his portion, at the parliament of Oxford in 1177. John had but the
subordinate rank of lord of Ireland; the great seal of that country
having this inscription : Johannes Filius Regis Anglie, Domini Hibernia.
We also find that the pope's legate had commission to exercise
jurisdiction in Anglia, Wallia, et illis Hibernice partibus, in quibus
Johannes Comes Moretonii potextatem habet, et dominium.
On Wednesday, in Easter-week, anno 1185, John, lord of Ireland, (aged
then about twelve years) embarked at Milford Haven, accompanied by about
four hundred gentlemen, including Giraldus Cambrensis, and a numerous
train of inferior attendants. After a favourable passage he landed at
Waterford, where the Irish princes flocked to his court in great
numbers; but from the disrespectful treatment which they received from
John's Norman courtiers, they retired in disgust, and many others who
were preparing to attend and pay homage, relinquished their intention.
This circumstance contributed not a little to the want of success
attending John's visit to Ireland; while the internal dissensions among
the settlers contributed considerably to the same result. After a
sojourn of eight months, he was recalled in September, 1185, and John de
Courcy, Earl of Ulster, appointed lord deputy. A.D. 1186, Roderic, last
Milesian monarch of Ireland, voluntarily abdicated the throne. He died
in 1198, and with his death the sway of the native kings terminated,
after a continuance of about two thousand five hundred years.
A class of historians, who compose what may be termed the ultra Irish
party, deplore this event with much seeming earnestness, are outrageous
at the part taken by Dermet MacMorrough, and look on the commencement of
a fresh era and the establishment of a novel dynasty with dislike and
dissatisfaction. But to the man who affords the matter impartial
consideration, to him who dispassionately views the conduct and
proceedings of the Irish princes, and is cognizant of the ancient state
of this distracted country, little just ground will seem to attach to
their sentiments. For what is, in brief, the simple fact. We find, that
of a list handed down to us of one hundred and sixty nine monarchies who
reigned in Ireland from Milesius to Roderic, not more than fifty one
(the 1st. 4th. 18th. 20th. 21st. 22nd. 28th. 40th. 54th. 55th. 56th.
68th. 70th. 78th. ,85th. 91st. 92nd. 93rd. 95th. 9«tb, 100th. 101st.
106th. 107th. 112th. 116th. 118th. 119th. 122nd. 125th. 134th. 136th.
141st. 145th. 147th. 148th. 149th. 151st. 154th. 155th. 156th, 158th.
160th. 101st. 163rd. 164th. 165th. 166th. 167th. 168th. 169th.) appear
to have died a natural death; and even of this number, some, perhaps,
might be deducted, did we know the circumstances of their exit, which
appear to be uncertain.
Now most assuredly, the evils entailed on Ireland by the English
conquest, might, in the opinion of the above writers be very great, the
consequences to the country might be most pernicious, their sway might
prove most detrimental; but the inevitable question here arises, could
any change, under such circumstances, be for the worse? Could the
invaders enact greater horrors, could they entail more of commotion,
anarchy, and bloodshed on this unhappy land, than that to which she had
been already subject ? Assuredly not; and the result proves the fact. On
the contrary, we cannot but consider it a happy circumstance, a decided
amelioration in the circumstances of this country, that the miserable
contentions of the native princes were abolished, by the introduction of
the sway of one monarch for the kingdom in general. This topic would
admit of further amplification, but in a local history, any lengthened
discussion of a general nature would be inappropriate.
King Henry II died in Normandy, on the 6th of July, 1189. So much
satisfaction did the conquest of Ireland afford him, that, in the list
of his titles, he placed that of lord of Ireland, before the
introduction of the hereditary rank arising from Normandy and Aquitaine.
Henry II was a generous, wise, and valiant prince. He may justly be
classed among the most estimable monarch of the age in which he
flourished.
("Spelling are as seen in the book")
CHAPTER IV
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