Landscapes, Castles and Towns of Edward I in Wales and Ireland: Some Comparisons and Connections

Abstract

A recent collection of essays on Edward I's castles in north Wales features contributions on Edwardian building-campaigns in Scotland and Gascony but not Ireland. This paper, which begins with some brief comments on that collection, offers some thoughts on Ireland's place in Edward's world. It considers how his wars in Wales, Scotland and Gascony might have impacted on the Irish landscape, and it suggests that origins for, or at least earlier versions of, some of the architectural and town-plan schemes deployed in Gwynnedd in the Edwardian era might be sought in Ireland.

Review of periodical literature published in 2011

“…Another designed, manorial landscape at Hadleigh (Suffolk) is investigated by Andrews and Hoppitt, this time highlighting the enhancement of a property by a lord who aspired to higher status. On a broader scale, O'Keeffe looks at how Edward I's castle building in Ireland impacted upon the landscape. This was felt not only in terms of town plans, but also upon late thirteenth‐century arable management as producers sought to take advantage of increased demand.…”