146 KINGSBRIDGE 



seized (while performing penance) unarmed and barefooted, 

 in the churchyard of Down-Patrick, on Good Friday, anno 

 1203, and sent over to England, where the King condemned 

 him to perpetual imprisonment in the tower, and granted 

 to Lacie all the Earl's possessions in Ireland. 



After his lordship had been in confinement about a year, 

 a dispute happening to arise between King John and Philip 

 Augustus of France, concerning the Duchy of Normandy, 

 the decision of which being referred to single combat, King 

 John (more hasty than advised) appointed the day, against 

 which the King of France provided his champion ; but the 

 King of England, less fortunate, could find no one of his 

 subjects willing to take up the gauntlet, until his captive in 

 the tower, the gallant Earl of Ulster, was prevailed upon to 

 accept the challenge. But when everything was prepared 

 for the contest, and the champions had entered the lists, in 

 presence of the monarchs of England, France, and Spain, 

 the opponent of the Earl, seized with a sudden panic, put 

 spurs to his horse, and fled the arena; whereupon the victory 

 was adjudged with acclamation to the champion of England. 



The French King being informed, however, of the Earl's 

 powerful strength, and wishing to witness some exhibition 

 of it, his lordship, at the desire of King John, cleft a massive 

 helmet in twain at a single blow. The King was so well 

 satisfied with this signal performance, that he not only 

 restored the earl to his estates and effects, but desired him to 

 ask anything within his gift, and it should be granted. To 

 which Ulster replied, that having estates and titles enough, 

 he desired that his successors might have the privilege (their 

 first obeisance being paid) to remain covered in the presence 

 of his majesty, and all future Kings of England; which 

 request was immediately conceded. This heroic warrior and 



