The priory of Llanthony Prima and Secunda in Ireland, 1172–1541

Lands, patronage and politics

Arlene Hogan

When Henry II departed Ireland in 1172, he handed over to Hugh de Lacy I the gift of the land of Meath; an enormous tract which covered the modern counties of Meath, Westmeath, and parts of Longford and Offaly. The tithes of this land, together with lands in Dublin, were granted to de Lacy’s favoured house of Llanthony situated on his estates in the valley of Ewyas in Wales. The arrival in Ireland of the knights of Hugh de Lacy I and the settlement of many of his Irish lands is recorded in the charters contained in the Irish cartularies of Llanthony Prima and Secunda. From a study of the early charters it has been possible to locate the lands in Ireland from which the Llanthony canons held the tithes and church benefices. A survey of the later charters reveals a complex pattern of familial ties, interwoven with the tenacious patronage and advocacy of the landed gentry who identified with Llanthony down through the centuries. An investigation of the people named in the charters reveals how they interacted with the Augustinian canons, and whether and how they figured in Irish history, or were simply silent witnesses identified with the lands of Llanthony in Ireland.

Arlene Hogan holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin. Her publications include Killmallock Dominican priory (1991).