Henry Of London’s Return
Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1221, Ireland remained divided among Gaelic rulers, Anglo-Norman lords, royal officers and church institutions. Geoffrey de Marisco was removed as justiciar amid concerns over revenues, and Archbishop Henry of London returned to office, strengthening crown oversight from Dublin. Marisco nevertheless led a destructive expedition into Desmond, ruining crops and building a castle at Mag Rátha. Papal legate James visited, addressing ecclesiastical affairs and prompting resentment over clerical payments. In Connacht, Diarmait Ua Conchobair’s seaborne bid for kingship ended in his death, exposing succession tensions. The death of scholar Diarmait Ua Cú Lecháin attests to religious learning and manuscript production.