Domination and Conquest

This book explores the ways in which the kings and aristocracy of England sought to extend their domination over Ireland, Scotland and Wales in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Domination and Conquest is a revised and expanded edition of Professor Davies's Wiles Lectures from 1988, delving into the efforts of English kings and aristocrats to assert their control over Ireland, Scotland, and Wales during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The author examines the ideologies of domination and subjugation, shedding light on how the English justified their ambitions and how the native rulers and societies responded to these encroachments.

This work offers a comprehensive analysis of how the English monarchy established and exercised a form of 'imperial' authority over the British Isles by the late thirteenth century. The narrative transitions from a loose form of dominance to a more structured political and governmental control, illustrating the complexities of this historical period. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of the histories of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, presenting a comparative perspective that contrasts the various strategies of domination employed by the English with the responses from the indigenous populations.

By moving beyond a country-specific focus, Domination and Conquest enriches our understanding of Anglo-Norman and English rule across the British Isles. This comparative approach not only highlights the similarities and differences in the methods of control but also provides insights into the resilience and adaptations of native societies facing external pressures. Overall, Professor Davies's work contributes significantly to the discourse on medieval power dynamics and the historical narrative of the British Isles.