Short Biography
Paul MacCotter is a graduate of UCC having begun life as an amateur historian, and subsequently achieved the status of an independent scholar, although maintaining a close working relationship with several notable medievalists in UCC’s History department. His initial interest in the early modern period matured into an interest in the area of Anglo-Norman studies under the guidance of Mr. Kenneth Nicholls. More recently, his underlying interest in the area of historical continuity has led him to join the select band of scholars whose interest lies in the area of continuity from the High Gaelic to the Anglo-Norman period, and in particular the study of spatial divisions and their borders and boundaries.
His recent book, Medieval Ireland: territorial, political and economic divisions (2008), represents the first substantial and comprehensive study of this subject area to appear in eighty years. This work principally deals with the hierarchy of kingdoms in pre-Norman Ireland and the related units, the trícha cét and cantred. Additionally, Medieval Ireland contributes significantly to the study of such lesser units as the baile biataig, túath, and townland, as well as the ecclesiastical divisions of diocese, rural deanery, and the vexed subject of parish formation.
Current Research
His principal area of continuing research involves a number of key studies into the origin and development of such spatial units as the townland, túath, manor and parish and how these units interrelate. He is also particularly interested in the study of the origins of early medieval fiscal estates, both secular and ecclesiastical, as well as of the pastoral role and function of individual churches. He is currently the principal historical consultant to the Making Christian Landscapes project, which seeks to investigate the impact of Christianity on the landscapes and spatial divisions of early medieval Ireland. This project is funded by the Heritage Council through the INSTAR programme.
