The Liberties

Following the murder of Thomas á 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.