In 1391, he purchased
Kilkenny Castle from the
Despencer family. He also built the castle of Dunfert (also called Danefort) and in 1386 founded a Friary of
minorites at
Aylesbury in
Buckinghamshire. In 1384, he was deputy to
Sir Philip Courtenay, the then Lieutenant of Ireland, who was the nephew of the
Archbishop of Canterbury,
William Courtenay. The two men for a time were united in opposition to
Robert Wikeford, the
Lord Chancellor of Ireland, who resented the Butler dynasty's power and influence. Butler's title was Governor of Ireland. A rift occurred between them over the disagreement between the Archbishop of Canterbury and
Richard II with Butler taking the side of the latter. Insurrection followed which prompted Richard II to an expedition under the banner of his close friend
Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland to quell it. This enterprise was led by
Sir John Stanley who was accompanied by Bishop
Alexander de Balscot of Meath and Sir
Robert Crull. Butler joined them upon their arrival in Ireland. The result of its success was Stanley's appointment as Lieutenant of Ireland, Bishop Alexander as chancellor, Crull as treasurer, and Butler again as governor. On 25 July 1392, he was appointed
Lord Justice of Ireland as he was again in 1401. On the departure of Sir
Stephen Scrope to England on 26 October 1404, by commission, dated at
Carlow, 12 February 1388-9, he was appointed keeper of the peace and governor of counties Kilkenny and
Tipperary. He was vested with full power to treat with, execute, protect, and give safe conduct to any rebels, etc. In 1397, he assisted
Edmund Mortimer, 3rd Earl of March, the Lord Lieutenant, against O Brien, and in 1390 took prisoner Teige O Carrol, Prince of Elye. ==Marriage and Children==