Alexander de Balscot

Alexander de Balscot, also known as Alexander Petit (died 1400) was one of the leading Irish clerics and statesmen of the late fourteenth century, who held the offices of Bishop of Ossory, Bishop of Meath, Treasurer of Ireland and Lord Chancellor of Ireland. although the Council refused their subsequent request to cross to England to put the matter before King Edward III and the English Council. Richard II appointed him Lord Chancellor in 1386. He was a key member of the Irish government of the pre-eminent royal favourite, Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland. Following de Vere's downfall at the Battle of Radcot Bridge in 1388, de Balscot was dismissed from office, along with most of his colleagues, including John Stanley, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormond, the Governor, and Sir Robert Crull, the Lord High Treasurer of Ireland. Later that year, King Richard II reappointed all of them to their old positions.

De Balscot later also acted as Chancellor and Justiciar at intervals until his death in 1400. 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".

Last years

He died at his official residence at Ardbraccan, County Meath, and was buried in Trim at St. Mary's Abbey, Trim. His policy was to buy off the Gaelic clans of the Pale.

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. O'Flanagan similarly refers to his extraordinary reputation for wisdom and learning.