Above: Prince Lionel and King Edward The antagonism between the early settlers and the " new English " was in evidence as early as the time of the visit of Prince John and his arrogant courtiers. But the distinction between the " English by descent " and the " English by birth " was first officially ratified by the decree of 1341. That decree, as has been seen, was withdrawn in the following year. Its offensive spirit was more definitely and insultingly ... Read More

Richard at once determined upon a second expedition to chastise the Irish, and again landed at Waterford (June 1399). With an army nearly as large as on his first visit, he proceeded to Kilkenny, and from that city he marched directly against Mac Murrough. Slowly retreating across the Barrow and the Slaney, Art kept up a continuous opposition to the English King's advance. Richard burned the villages on his way, and forced the peasantry to cut passages through the woods. But his army ... Read More