Silken Thomas Fitz-Gerald, Vice-Deputy Henry, highly incensed, ordered Kildare to come at once to London to answer these charges, but gave him permission to himself nominate a substitute to fulfil hi» duties during his absence. Kildare's choice fell on his eldest son, Thomas, a dashing, valiant youth, not yet twenty-one years of age, so famed for the splendour of his dress that  he  had   gained  the  name of " Silken Thomas."  The post which he was to hold would have tried the capacity and ... Read More

Above: King John King Henry died in the year 1189, and was succeeded by his son Richard the Lion Hearted. Richard took no interest in Ireland, and left the whole management of its affairs to his brother John, who, in 1189, appointed Hugh de Lacy lord justice, in place of John de Courcy. At this time and for long after, Connaught was in a iTiis;'rable state of turmoil, partly from the contests of the members of the O'Conor family for the provincial throne, ... Read More