William the Earl Marshall (1140-1190AD)When I arrived with the Normans in 1170, I found a thriving monastic settlement, which had been established by St.Canice, however the Christian practices of these people were not as advanced as they might be. From my garrison in the newly built Kilkenny Castle, I established three new monasteries; the Black Abbey, St.John's and St.Francis' as well as a cathedral at St.Canice's monastic settlement. With the city charter of 1207, many merchants prospered in the town and marriages between settlers and Irish natives strengthened already powerful families.
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