The history of medieval Ireland was shaped by the friction between Irish and English cultures. The ecclesiastical dimension of this relationship is studied here, examining how a mixed episcopate evolved, with religious orders from both peoples, and how this affected Irish politics and history.
The reform of the Church in the 12th century; the papacy, Henry II and the Irish Church; religious orders, 1127-1340; changing episcopate in the 13th century; the rule of law; the century before the Reformation; afterword.
"This will prove essential for anyone studying the religious foundations of Irish history and Ireland's evolving relationship with the English." The Bookwatch Dec 1998