from The Statutes of Kilkenny 1366

Beyond the Pale

Lionel of Clarence, Edward III’s younger son, went to Ireland as his Lieutenant in order to stop English expats becoming like the Irish.

1366

King Edward III 1327-1377

Introduction

In 1366, Edward III’s son Lionel presided over a parliament in Kilkenny in Ireland. The issue was the Pale, the area around Dublin that was under English law, and disturbing reports that many Englishmen had so intermingled with the Irish beyond it that one could hardly tell them apart. Amongst several other Statutes, the English were strictly commanded to keep to their own language and customs.

from The Statutes of Kilkenny 1366

abridged

IT is ordained and established, that no alliance by marriage, gossipred,* fostering of children, concubinage or by amour, nor in any other manner, be henceforth made between the English and Irish of one part, or of the other part; and that no Englishman, nor other person, being at peace, do give or sell to any Irishman, in time of peace or war, horses or armour, nor any manner of victuals in time of war; and if any shall do to the contrary, and thereof be attainted, he shall have judgment of life and member, as a traitor to our lord the king.

Also, it is ordained and established, that every Englishman do use the English language, and be named by an English name, leaving off entirely the manner of naming used by the Irish; and that every Englishman use the English custom, fashion, mode of riding* and apparel, according to his estate.

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* That is, the relations established by being a godparent at baptism. Ultimately from Old English godsibbræden, meaning ‘god-parental obligations’.

* The Irish did not use saddles.

Précis

In 1366, Edward III’s son Lionel of Clarence presided over a parliament in Kilkenny, which laid down rules governing the English in Ireland. The English were forbidden to form families with the Irish (even as godparents), to furnish them with anything they might use in their wars, to speak Irish, or to adopt Irish ways, from clothing to riding bareback.

Clay Lane The Copybook