The April 1308 Parliament demanded Piers Gaveston's exile, so Edward II made him lieutenant of Ireland with unusually broad powers. Edward spent the following months preparing for his return while the earls stayed away from a royal tournament. At the October Parliament, the earls pressed for the release of the bishops of Glasgow and St Andrews, both held since 1306. Edward wanted to appease the church and promised reforms in exchange for taxation, although the grant did not follow immediately. The episode shows exile, patronage, church policy, and finance working as parts of the same political negotiation.
Notable Point · 14:53-15:52
Gaveston's Irish exile and a bargain over taxation
Edward II used an Irish lieutenancy, church diplomacy, and promised reforms to clear a path for Piers Gaveston's return from exile.