Features of Irish Migration to England in Late 14th — First Half of 15th Century

Abstract

The author of this article examines the process of Irish migration to England in the late 14th to early 15th centuries. Based on an analysis of tax documents, the author identifies entry points, main directions, and centers of migration. The state of Irish colonies in English counties is also explored. The relevance of the study is due to the lack of a comprehensive description of foreign populations in late medieval England and the need to identify the role of the Irish in English society. Statistical and prosopographic analysis of sources allowed for the identification of reasons for the arrival of Irish immigrants in England, as well as the reconstruction of a collective portrait of members of the diaspora from 1394 to 1440. Analysis of license lists showed that internal colonization boundaries included the eastern Midlands and western counties located near entry ports. The author demonstrates that directions of Irish migration were formed based on demand for labor, as well as longstanding connections and the existence of Irish communities in English counties. The author concludes that the preservation of restrictive legislation in local governance and education, as well as attempts to mass deport Irish immigrants back to their homeland, indicate the formation of stable prejudices and intolerance among English subjects towards Irish subjects of the king.