The
order was founded by St. Dominic in 1216, unlike many
other orders they were a community of teaching friars, they opened their
first Friary at Dublin in 1224. They were known as 'The Black Friars'
this coming from the black cloak or mantle they wore when preaching.
Their role was one of evangelizing
at a time when monastic corruption was seen to have created a climate
widespread cynicism.