Ireland: history 1154 to 1485

During the Middle Ages (12th–15th century), the English crown made itself the overlord of Ireland and tried but failed to extend its control over Ireland. Following the Anglo-Norman conquest, completed by Henry II in 1172, English colonization began, particularly in the east in the region around Dublin, an area that became known as the English Pale. However, control over the Irish chiefs was limited, despite campaigns by John (I) Lackland in 1210 and Richard II 1394–95, and the period saw a number of rebellions and the gradual decline of English colonial presence. The Anglo-Norman barons (later known as the Anglo-Irish) gradually became more Irish than the Gaelic Irish.