Author: Russell Shortt
The Normans implemented the first centralised administration system in Ireland. King John I constructed Dublin Castle and an active government was established. Coinage was introduced as was a jury system and sheriffs were appointed. Parliament was established in 1297 in which representatives form each county and division sat. The Normans brought peace and stability to the areas that they conquered which had been embroiled in faction fighting amongst the Gaelic clans. This was achieved by not expelling the native Irish but by employing them to herd cattle and till the soil. The Normans did come as conquerors, they displaced the Gaelic nobility but they adapted themselves to the country and considered the Gaelic chiefs as social equals and many of the Norman leaders intermarried within the Gaelic families. The Normans built towns and villages wherever they settled and these settlements were the beginnings of the large majority of the existing towns and villages in contemporary Ireland. In addition the religious orders benefited from the Norman invasion – the existing Benedictine and Cistercian orders were encouraged and flourished and the Normans welcomed the Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians and Carmelites into Ireland. Practically all Ireland’s medieval cathedrals – St. Patrick’s in Dublin, St. Mary’s in Limerick, St. Canice’s in Kilkenny and Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin (were Strongbow was buried) were all built during this period.
Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland. Article source: http://www.exploringireland.net
About the Author:
Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland. Article source: http://www.exploringireland.net
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – King Henry II and the Consolidation of the Norman Conquest of Ireland