Beginning with the emergence of the Anglo-Irish in the 14th century, this book describes how the government attempted to check the growth of Gaelic resistance in an age of economic decay, aggravated by plague and emigration. The acceptance of each other by the Anglo-Irish and Gaelic lords free from English interference produced an economic revival, a new vigour in the Church, and a growing sense of nationality among the Anglo-Irish. The dominance of the Geraldines was established. But the advent of the Tudors, the danger of Ireland as the 'backdoor to England', and the insufferable insolence of the Kildares meant a return to the earlier habit of rule and military intervention from England. The new attention given to Ireland by the government of Henry VIII marked a new departure symbolized by his assumption of the kingship of Ireland and the end of the old medieval lordship. -- Publisher description This is the sixth volume in the comprehensive 11 volume "Gill History of Ireland," which covers Irish history from the fifth century to the 1960s.