The Lordship of Ireland was a territory established in the 12th century when the English crown sought to exert control over Ireland. It began after the Anglo-Norman invasion in 1169, which was led by figures like Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow. The Lordship was characterized by a mix of English and Irish governance, with the English king appointing a lord to oversee the region. Over time, the Lordship faced challenges, including resistance from native Irish clans and internal conflicts. By the late 15th century, the authority of the Lordship weakened, leading to the rise of the Kingdom of Ireland in 1542, which marked a shift in English rule and governance.