Goddard Henry Orpen facts for kids

Goddard Henry Orpen (born May 8, 1852 – died May 15, 1932) was an important Irish historian. He is best known for his detailed books about Ireland during the time of the Normans. His work helped people understand a key period in Irish history.

Early Life and Education

Goddard Henry Orpen was born in 1852. His father was Dr. John Herbert Orpen. His mother was Ellen Susanna Gertude Richards. He was also a second cousin to the famous artist Sir William Orpen.

He went to school at The Abbey School in Tipperary. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin. This is a very famous university in Ireland. He married Adela Elizabeth Richards in 1880. She was his first cousin once removed.

His Main Work: Ireland under the Normans

Orpen's most famous work is a set of books called Ireland under the Normans. This was a huge project, with four volumes and about 1500 pages. The books were first published between 1911 and 1920. They were reissued in 1968.

In these books, Orpen wrote about how Ireland changed when the Normans arrived. He compared the time under Norman rule to the time before. He believed that Ireland saw more "progress" and "order" under the Normans. He felt that things became less organized after 1333, when Celtic tribal ways returned.

When his books came out, they caused some debate. Some people in Ireland disagreed with his views. They felt he was too positive about the Norman influence. A new, shorter version of his main work was published in 2005.

Other Historical Contributions

Besides his main work, Orpen also edited and translated another important historical text. This was The Song of Dermot and the Earl. He published this work in 1892. It tells the story of the Norman invasion of Ireland.

Later Life and Legacy

Goddard Henry Orpen passed away on May 15, 1932. He was 80 years old. He died at his home in County Wexford, Ireland. His books continue to be studied by historians today. They offer a deep look into Ireland's past.

See also

• Eoin MacNeill
• Edmund Curtis
• James Lydon (historian)