Arcy

The D'Arcys were a family of Norman-origin name, established as Lincolnshire gentry with their seat at Knaith by the late thirteenth century. John D'Arcy, created Baron Darcy de Knayth in 1332, became one of Edward III's most trusted councillors.

He served three terms as chief governor, or justiciar, of Ireland between 1323 and 1344, and in 1324 presided at Kilkenny over the witchcraft trial of Alice Kyteler. In England he served the king as steward and chamberlain and was present at the Battle of Crecy in 1346.

His second wife Joan de Burgh was the widow of the earl of Kildare, and their daughter Elizabeth married James Butler, second earl of Ormonde. When John died in 1347 his son inherited the barony, and later D'Arcys kept lands and influence within the English Pale around Dublin and Drogheda.