A Dictionary of British and Irish History

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YEATS, W.B.

(b. 13 June 1865 at Sandymount, Co. Dublin, Ireland; d. 28 Jan. 1939 at Menton, Alpes‐Maritimes, France, aged 73). Of Anglo‐Irish, Protestant origin, William Butler Yeats lived in Ireland and England, and as a professional writer from 1887 drew on Irish mythology in his poems and plays. Between 1899 and 1907 he also managed the Irish Literary Theatre (Abbey Theatre from 1904). Though his relationship with Ireland was ambivalent (e.g., he disliked its religious cultures), Yeats served as a senator of the IRISH FREE STATE (1922–8). Acclaimed as a ‘modernist’, he was the first Irish writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1923). His remains were reburied in Ireland in 1948. See also ANGLO‐IRISH LITERATURE.

YEAVERING

A site in Northumberland (NE England), which was occupied in the late 6th–mid 7th centuries; possibly the royal estate centre ad Gefrin mentioned by BEDE (in 731). Archaeologists have identified five phases of development, each with a new wooden hall or halls, and found a unique wooden amphitheatre. The centre was probably used by Kings Æthelfrith, EDWIN, OSWALD and OSWIU. See also ROYAL REVENUES, ENGLAND BEFORE 1066.

YELVERTON'S ACT

Popular name for the legislation passed in July 1782 by the Irish Parliament which amended POYNINGS’ LAW (1494–5). It ended the involvement of the British and Irish royal Councils in formulating Irish legislation, thereby giving primacy to the Irish Parliament. It was named after the MP Barry Yelverton who sponsored ...