Drogheda’s Uneasy Homage
Archived: 21 October 2026
In 1395 Richard II sought to stabilise Ireland through military pressure, submissions and negotiated service from Gaelic and Anglo-Irish rulers. Art Mac Murchadha accepted loyalty, payment and recognition of inheritance, while Niall Ó Néill and others sought royal protection against rival claims. More than eighty nobles submitted, receiving pardons, offices and knighthoods, but important western and northern lords remained outside the settlement. Raids in Uí Fhailghe and Éile, conflict within the Ó Néills, and succession violence in Fermanagh demonstrated instability. Richard departed in May, leaving Mortimer as representative. Deaths, church burnings and lordships underscored that ceremony had not pacified Ireland.