Henry ii (Ireland after 1170) Flashcards
By 1171, who had become the unifying renegade ruler of Ireland alongside MacMurrough?
Richard fitzGilbert de Clare, after beheading a rival Irish lord.
How did Henry II respond to Richard fitzGilbert de Clare’s actions in Ireland?
He ordered all Anglo-Normans to return to England from Ireland or face harsh penalties.
What action did Henry II take against Richard fitzGilbert de Clare in addition to ordering Anglo-Normans to return to England?
He used escheat to confiscate Richard’s lands.
Why did Henry II decide to invade Ireland?
To resolve the threat posed by Richard fitzGilbert de Clare and to assert control over Ireland.
Why did Henry II feel pressured to invade Ireland in 1171 despite ignoring earlier calls in 1157 and 1155?
After Becket’s murder in 1170, Henry felt the invasion would help with his absolution.
What does ‘absolution’ mean in this context?
Being forgiven for a sin.
What did the pope call Henry II after his conquest of Ireland in 1171?
The pope described him as a ‘devoted son of the Church.’
What was significant about Henry II’s invasion of Ireland in 1171?
It was the first time an English king had stepped foot in Ireland.
How large was the force Henry II used for his invasion of Ireland in 1171 and what did thiis pressure the irish bishops to do?
He massed a force of 100,000 men on 400 ships.
This force pressured the Irish bishops and kings to submit to Henry
What did Henry II do to secure Ireland after the invasion?
He established garrisons in Dublin for long-term security and gave the counties of Leinster and Meath to his loyal barons, like Hugh de Lacy.
What was the Treaty of Windsor in 1175?
It was an agreement where Rory O’Conner was allowed his own independent kingdom in Ireland, as long as he paid Henry homage and a hide tax.
What is a ‘hide tax’?
A tax where one in ten treated hides produced are given to the crown.
What was one of Henry II’s first actions in Ireland after the conquest?
He organized a council of Irish bishops to promote the church’s moral and economic interests.
What did Henry II’s council of Irish bishops ensure?
It ensured that the Catholic Church controlled marriage laws in Ireland (which previously allowed divorces) and could collect tithes.
What are ‘tithes’?
Tithes are a tax where 1/10 of wealth is given to the crown or church.
