Alexander de Balscot

Alexander de Balscot, also known as Alexander Petit (died 1400) was one of the leading Irish

Treasurer of Ireland and Lord Chancellor of Ireland.^[1]

Family

He was born at

Lord Treasurer of Ireland

in 1354, and Ralph Balscote, a clerk in the royal service, may also have been relatives.

Bishop

Alexander is first heard of in Ireland in 1358; he became

royal pardon to cover any possible wrongdoing.^[1]

Statesman

He was appointed Treasurer of Ireland in 1372 and again in 1376-7; he acted as

Richard II reappointed all of them to their old positions.^[4]

De Balscot later also acted as Chancellor and Justiciar at intervals until his death in 1400.[1] In 1395 the King relieved him of his duties as Chancellor on account of old age.^[5] In 1399 he delivered a lengthy and pessimistic address on the condition of Ireland to the King: "no soldiers for the defence of this realm and no money to pay for them... the King hath no profit from this realm.. The Irish enemies are strong and arrogant and of great power...The English rebels are allies of the Irish enemies".^[6]

Last years

He died at his official residence at

Anglo-Irish magnates and opposed to the appointment of Englishmen to Irish offices.^[1] He repeatedly but unsuccessfully urged the Crown to provide more support for the Irish.^[1]

Reputation

Elrington Ball describes him as a man of great wisdom and learning. He was out of favour for part of his career, but he was always restored to a position of influence, as his advice was considered indispensable.[7] O'Flanagan^[8] similarly refers to his extraordinary reputation for wisdom and learning.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Beresford, David "Balscot, Alexander of" Cambridge Dictionary of Irish Biography
^ ^a ^b Close Roll 51 Edward III
^ National Archives SC 8/63/3137
^ Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1388-92. 103
^ National Library of Ireland f.2639 p.1546
^ Hull, Eleanor A History of Ireland and its People (1926-1931) Vol 1 Appendix IV
^ Ball, F. Elrington The Judges in Ireland 1221-1921 John Murray London 1926
^ O'Flanagan, J. Roderick Lives of the Lord Chancellors of Ireland London 1870

[Beresford-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Beresford, David "Balscot, Alexander of" Cambridge Dictionary of Irish Biography

[Close-2] Close Roll 51 Edward III

[3] National Archives SC 8/63/3137

[4] Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1388-92. 103

[5] National Library of Ireland f.2639 p.1546

[6] Hull, Eleanor A History of Ireland and its People (1926-1931) Vol 1 Appendix IV

[7] Ball, F. Elrington The Judges in Ireland 1221-1921 John Murray London 1926

[8] O'Flanagan, J. Roderick Lives of the Lord Chancellors of Ireland London 1870

[1]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[8]