Crown and community on the royal manors of the Liffey valley

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between the English crown and the four royal manors of Crumlin, Esker, Saggart and Newcastle Lyons in the later Middle Ages. These manors were situated in south County Dublin and were established after these lands passed out of the hands of the Meic Gilla Mo-Cholmóc sometime before 1215. The two largest manors, Saggart and Newcastle Lyons, were closer to the mountains than Crumlin and Esker and were therefore more vulnerable. Yet because they were larger they could also potentially yield the most revenue. As the Middle Ages progressed they became increasingly important as they formed part of the line of defence against the Irish in the mountains. The two smaller manors of Crumlin and Esker were closer to the city and were for that reason better able to maintain their value.