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. ... Read More

When Thomas, Earl of Kildare (page 182) died (1477), he was succeeded by his son, Garrett or Gerald as 8th Earl. The Irish Council elected Garrett as Lord Deputy, but the English King (Edward IV) refused to recognise him, and sent over Lord Grey in his stead. But the King's nominee was refused admittance to Dublin Castle by the doughty Keating (page 183), and the Lord Chancellor refused to deliver him up the Great Seal. Grey called a Parliament in Trim, but Kildare ... Read More