The start of Britain’s Involvement in Ireland
Background and Context
The Norman invasion of Ireland in the late 12th century was a pivotal moment that reshaped the political, social, and cultural landscape of the island for centuries to come. This complex series of events marked the beginning of English involvement in Ireland and set the stage for over 800 years of British rule.
In the mid-12th century, Ireland was divided into several kingdoms, with a High King claiming lordship over most other kings. The island’s political structure was based on Gaelic traditions and laws, with a society organized around clans and kinship groups.
Meanwhile, the Normans, who had conquered England in 1066, had developed an imperialist attitude towards their Celtic neighbors. They viewed the Irish, Welsh, and Scots as inferior and barbaric, setting the stage for future conquests.
The Catalyst: Diarmait Mac Murchada
The invasion began in May 1169 when Anglo-Norman mercenaries landed in Ireland at the request of Diarmait Mac Murchada (also known as Dermot MacMurrough), the deposed King of Leinster. Diarmait had been ousted from his throne and sought help from King Henry II of England to regain his position.
This seemingly minor event would have far-reaching consequences. Diarmait’s appeal to the English court set in motion a chain of events that would alter the course of Irish history.
The Initial Invasion
The first wave of Anglo-Norman forces, led by Robert FitzStephen and Maurice de Prendergast, landed at Bannow Bay in County Wexford. Their army consisted of at least 40 knights, 60 men-at-arms, and 360 archers. This force merged with about 500 men led by Diarmait.
The invaders quickly set about conquering Leinster and the territories Diarmait claimed sovereignty over. They besieged and captured the Norse-Irish seaport of Wexford and raided the territories of north Leinster and the neighboring kingdom of Ossory.
Strongbow and the Expansion of Norman Control
In 1170, a larger Norman force arrived, led by Richard “Strongbow” de Clare, the Earl of Pembroke. Strongbow’s arrival marked a significant escalation of the invasion. His forces seized the important Norse-Irish towns of Dublin and Waterford.
Strongbow’s role in the invasion was crucial. He had been brought to Ireland by Diarmait Mac Murchada and brought with him an army of Welsh archers. When Diarmait died in 1171, Strongbow succeeded him and became the first Norman king in Ireland.
The Response of the Irish Kings
The Norman invasion did not go unchallenged. Led by High King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (Rory O’Connor), a coalition of Irish kingdoms besieged Dublin, while Norman-held Waterford and Wexford were also attacked. However, the Normans managed to hold most of their territory.
In 1175, the Treaty of Windsor was signed, acknowledging Henry II as overlord of the conquered territory and Ruaidrí as overlord of the remainder of Ireland. However, this treaty soon collapsed as Norman lords continued to invade Irish kingdoms and the Irish continued to resist.
Henry II’s Intervention
In 1171, King Henry II of England personally led a large army to Ireland. This intervention was sanctioned by the papal bull Laudabiliter, which gave Henry authority to invade Ireland to reform the Irish church.
Henry’s arrival marked a new phase in the invasion. He declared his son John to be the “Lord of Ireland” and authorized the Norman lords to conquer more land. The territory they held became the Lordship of Ireland, part of the Angevin Empire.
Reasons for Norman Success
The Normans’ success in Ireland can be attributed to several factors:
- Military Superiority: The Normans had superior military technology and tactics, including the use of cavalry and advanced siege warfare techniques.
- Castle Building: The Normans were skilled in constructing castles, which allowed them to establish control over conquered territories, a strategy that was proving successful in the subjugation of Wales.
- Lack of Unified Opposition: The fragmented nature of Irish politics meant that there was no unified resistance to the Norman invasion.
- Church Support: The Catholic Church generally supported Henry II’s intervention in Ireland.
The Norman invasion had profound and lasting effects on Irish society
The invasion introduced feudalism to Ireland, replacing the traditional Gaelic system of governance. The formation of the Parliament of Ireland in 1297 allowed the Anglo-Norman lords to exercise control and implement their politics.
The Normans brought significant changes to Irish social structure. They introduced a new aristocracy and altered land ownership patterns. However, over time, many Normans living outside the area known as “The Pale” (around Dublin) adopted Irish customs and language, a process known as “Gaelicization”.
The Normans introduced new agricultural practices and expanded trade. They also established towns, which became centers of commerce. The economy, previously based mainly on cattle, diversified with increased crop cultivation.
The Normans left a lasting architectural legacy in Ireland. They built numerous castles, churches, and walled towns, many of which still stand today. These structures dramatically changed the Irish landscape
Long-Term Consequences
The Norman invasion marked the beginning of English involvement in Ireland, which would continue for centuries. It set the stage for future conflicts and shaped the complex relationship between Ireland and England.
The invasion also led to a gradual erosion of Gaelic culture and institutions, although this process was slow and incomplete. The Normans themselves were eventually assimilated into Irish society, becoming “more Irish than the Irish themselves”, according to historian Daragh Mc Mullan.
