Treaty of Windsor (1175) facts for kids
The Treaty of Windsor (1175) was an important agreement about land. It happened during the time when the Normans from England were invading Ireland. The treaty was signed in Windsor, Berkshire, England. The two main people who signed it were King Henry II of England and the High King of Ireland, Rory O'Connor.
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What Was the Treaty About?
This agreement said that Rory O'Connor would remain king of most of Ireland. This included all areas outside of Leinster, Dublin, and a small area from Waterford to Dungarvan. In return, Rory had to pay a regular payment, called a tribute, to King Henry II. He also had to promise his loyalty to Henry. All of Ireland also had to follow new church rules from the Pope and the Synod of Cashel (1172).
Rory O'Connor had to pay one cow hide for every ten cattle. Other Irish kings and their people could keep their lands. They just had to stay loyal to the English kings. They also had to pay their tribute through Rory O'Connor.
Some important people who saw the signing included Laurence O'Toole, who was the Archbishop of Dublin.
Old Irish records, called the Annals of Tigernach, wrote about the treaty. They said it brought "peace of Ireland" and gave Rory O'Connor kingship over both Irish and foreign people. However, there was a big misunderstanding about the treaty. King Henry II thought Rory was under his control, like a landlord and tenant. Rory O'Connor, though, believed he was still the High King of Ireland. He thought he only had to pay a small yearly tribute to Henry. This difference in understanding soon caused more problems and fighting in Ireland.
Key Parts of the Treaty
The treaty said that King Henry of England allowed Rory, the King of Connacht, to rule his land. Rory had to serve Henry loyally and pay tribute. Rory was also in charge of making sure other Irish people paid their tribute to the King of England through him.
If anyone rebelled or refused to pay, Rory was supposed to deal with them. If he needed help, the English constable in Ireland would assist him.
Rory had to pay tribute every year: one cow hide for every ten animals killed. However, some lands were kept by the King of England. These included Dublin, Meath, Wexford (which was all of Leinster), and the area from Waterford to Dungarvan.
Irish people who had left their lands could return peacefully. They would pay the same tribute as others or do services for the English lords. Rory also had to get promises of good behavior (hostages) from those under his rule. He also had to give hostages to King Henry.
What Happened After the Treaty?
The Treaty of Windsor did not last long. The Anglo-Norman lords, who wanted more land, quickly started taking over more areas. In 1177, King Henry II himself canceled the treaty. He then named his son, John, as the King of Ireland.
However, John never actually became King of Ireland. Henry II died suddenly in 1189. John then became the King of England. At that time, being King of England also meant you were the "Lord of Ireland." Since his father had already canceled the Treaty of Windsor, John became King of England and Lord of Ireland. This meant that Rory O'Connor's claim to be High King was no longer recognized by the English.
Later English kings, like Henry VIII, tried to claim the title of King of Ireland. But because of how things happened after the Treaty of Windsor, their claims were seen as not fully legal or rightful by many.
See also
- List of treaties
