The play of the English factions, however, soon brought the Geraldines into official favour. The struggle between the Houses of York and Lancaster was beginning, and the first effect of it in Ireland was the arrival of Richard, Duke of York as Lord Lieutenant with unlimited powers (1449).

He was the grandson of Roger Mortimer, Earl of March {page 170), and, therefore, descended from Lionel, Duke of Clarence. His policy was to win over the Irish chiefs, and to placate the Irish Normans. He gained the adhesion of both branches of the Geraldines, but although he bestowed offices upon Ormonde, the Butlers remained steadfast adherents of the Lancastrians.

A new element was introduced by English politics into the ancient rivalry. During the Wars of the Roses (1455-85) many of the Anglo-Irish fought on both sides in the numerous battles in England. The Butlers were almost the only supporters of the House of Lancaster in Ireland, and when the Yorkists were for a time defeated, and the Duke of York fled to Ireland (of which he still claimed to be Lord Lieutenant) he was warmly received and supported (1459).

The following year the Earl of Surrey came to Ireland as Lord Lieutenant. He was a friend of Piers Ruadh and was related to him (by marriage) through Sir Thomas Boleyn, a grandson of the previous Earl of Ormonde. At first he displayed much activity against various clans who had risen when Kildare was called away, but he soon tired of a warfare that he deemed to be unending, and he left after one year’s stay. Ormonde was then appointed Lord Deputy (1521).

During his stay in England Kildare was not imprisoned, but remained in attendance upon the King. Both Surrey and Ormonde had employed themselves in collecting evidence against him, and the charges against him were enquired into by Wolsey. But Kildare, like his father, made an influential second marriage with Lady Grey, a relative of the King. Thanks, perhaps, to this, he was allowed to return to Ireland (1523). Almost immediately hostility developed between himself and Ormonde, still Lord Deputy. Commissioners were sent over to inquire, with the result that Ormonde was dismissed and Kildare again made Lord Deputy (1524).

Kildare now devoted himself to attempts to reconcile the powerful northern chiefs, O’Neill and O’Donnell, who were still at war. Conn Bacach O’Neill was the near relative of the Earl and had carried his sword of state at his last inauguration. But although Kildare on one occasion brought an army to his kinsman’s aid, he repeatedly endeavoured to establish peace between the two and, despite the laws against it, formed the tie of gossipred with O’Donnell.

Above : Classic Painting Of William De Burgh