The Angevins and Ireland

How were the Angevins involved in Ireland?

One of the achievements of the Angevin Empire was to gain control of Ireland. England's control of Ireland continued until the 20th century.

When did the Angevins conquer Ireland?

The Angevin conquest of Ireland took place between 1169 and 1175.

What did the Angevins do in Ireland?

There were a number of stages to the Angevin conquest of Ireland.

• ❖ In 1155, the pope declared that Henry II had the Church's authority to take control of Ireland.
• ❖ In 1169, an Anglo-Norman lord, Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare, went to Ireland to help the king of Leinster in his quarrel with the High king of Ireland. Strongbow took over a number of territories in Ireland.
• ❖ Henry II then went to Ireland in 1171, as he was worried that Strongbow was too powerful. He wanted to ensure that his authority was established there.
• ❖ In 1175, the Treaty of Windsor saw the high king of Ireland give homage to Henry II. The Angevins took direct control of the east coast of Ireland.

What was the significance of the Angevin conquest of Ireland?

These are some of the ways in which the Angevin conquest of Ireland was significant.

• ❖ It was the beginning of English rule of Ireland. Although full control was not achieved until the 17th century, Henry II's conquest started the process.
• ❖ Ireland has been ruled or controlled by England, in different ways, right up to the present day. The Republic of Ireland achieved independence in 1922; but Northern Ireland still remains part of the United Kingdom.