The Liberties

Following the murder of Thomas a Becket, King Henry II came to Ireland. He decreed that an abbey be founded close to the present-day St Catherine's church, Thomas Street, Dublin, in Becket's memory, and the monks that founded it were to be free from city taxes and rates. This `Liberty' expanded and took in the part of Dublin which today is known as the Liberties, one of Dublin's oldest and most interesting parts of the capital, occupying a unique place in Ireland's social and cultural history. In this book, author Maurice Curtis explores this fascinating history and its significance to the people of Dublin.