Medieval Ireland Territorial, Political and Economic Divisions

Medieval Ireland: Territorial, Political and Economic Divisions by Paul MacCotter
English | July 1, 2008 | ISBN: 1846820987, 1846825571 | PDF | 320 pages | 14 MB
This book describes, for the first time, the nature of the unique economic areal system of Gaelic Ireland as it developed and changed between the Early Medieval and Anglo-Norman periods, with special emphasis on the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The origins of this system are explored in their European context, and the components of the system: local kingdom, tricha cet, late-tuath and baile biataig, are explored, described and understood. Special attention is given to the role of kingship in this early society, as well as to the lesser grades within society. A large part of this work of political geography is taken up with the task of listing and describing the area of each cantred/tricha cet by use of a newly developed methodology of boundary study. These are then represented cartographically. This methodology reveals the close relationship between Gaelic and Anglo-Norman areal units in a remarkable pattern of continuity. The various component units of the tricha cet, from the townland upwards, are examined of themselves and in addition shown to have great relevance for the study of such subjects as taxation, corporate kinship landholding, military levy, and even the origins of the rural Irish sense of place.