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 ... Read More

Above : Painting Of James Butler The attempt to govern Ireland without Kildare was a failure. When he had been dismissed from office, the Geraldine had withdrawn his protection from the Pale, with the result that the Irish continually raided the settlers in Meath. Kildare's brother had attacked the English at Carlow, and when the Earl was arrested his sons attacked those in Kildare. Sir James Butler attacked the rival Butlers, harassed the friends of the Geraldines and exacted " coyne and livery." ... Read More