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Ireland in the Middle Ages: the Pale

Study note

At the beginning of the Middle Ages, Ireland was an independent country, ruled by its own kings and not under English control. This is an important starting point for understanding the long and difficult relationship between England and Ireland.

English involvement began in a roundabout way. English soldiers first crossed to Ireland as troops sent to help an Irish king in his quarrels. Rather than simply leaving once their task was done, they stayed on and started to build settlements of their own.

Over time English control grew. By the year 1200 the English ruled a region of Ireland centred on Dublin, and this area became known as the Pale. Beyond the Pale, English authority was weaker, but some powerful lords elsewhere in Ireland still accepted the English king as their overlord. The key fact to remember is that the Pale was the English-ruled area around Dublin by 1200.

Memory tip: The Pale = the English-ruled area around Dublin by 1200.

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Question 1 of 2

What was the name of the area around Dublin ruled by the English by 1200?

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Show all questions and answers for Ireland in the Middle Ages: the Pale(2 questions with explanations)

Ireland in the Middle Ages: the Pale: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What was the name of the area around Dublin ruled by the English by 1200?

    • The Danelaw
    • The Marches
    • The Pale
    • Ulster

    Correct answer: The Pale

    By 1200 the English ruled an area of Ireland around Dublin called the Pale.

  2. 2. At the beginning of the Middle Ages, Ireland was an independent country.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Ireland was independent at the start of the Middle Ages.

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