Statutes of Kilkenny and the Gaelic Revival

By the end of the thirteenth century, thehowever although the Statues were very
government in Dublin had become alarmed at thecomprehensive, Lionel did not have the resources
way in which the English were assimilating intoto implement them. At the end of the fourteenth
Gaelic culture, becoming 'more Irish than the Irishcentury, however peace with France and a truce
themselves'. It began to pass a number ofwith Scotland gave Richard II the chance to bring
statutes designed to keep the Gaelic Irish and thea huge army to Ireland to prevent the Gaelic
English settlers apart. This legislation becamerevival. He removed Art MacMurrough entirely out
known as the Statues of Kilkenny, were some ofof Leinster, all the great Gaelic chieftains made
it was passed in 1366. The statutes forbadesubmissions to Richard, leaving him with the belief
inter-marrying between the two 'races', thethat Ireland would no longer prove problematic.
English fostering or adoption of Irish children, theThis was not to be, forcing Richard to return in
use of Irish names or dress, the playing of hurling1399 to face a wilier Art MacMurrough. While the
and the playing of Irish music.king was waging war in Leinster, Henry of
The prime motivator of the Statues was EdwardLancaster seized the throne forcing Richard to
III's son, Lionel of Antwerp, Earl of Clarence,return to England.