List of rulers of Waterford

The Vikings, who had created a longphort near Waterford in 853, finally settled and created a town in 914. These were led by Ottir Iarla. Ragnall ua Ímair then installed himself over them in 917, however leaving a year later to Britain, with Ottir, and presumably placing a deputy in control. Several of the 11th century Norse kings, the descendants of Ímar (died 1000), were both allied to and vassals of the powerful O'Brien dynasty, with whom they may also have been intermarried, and who in at least one case in the 1070s (Diarmait, son of Toirrdelbach Ua Briain) exercised direct rule over the small city.

The fate of the Waterford Norse is uncertain after the Norman invasion. Forced out of their own city, they are recorded occupying some of the surrounding countryside for a period afterwards. Also uncertain is how long the Uí Ímair continued to provide rulers.

This is a list of rulers of Waterford, nominal or otherwise, from the early Cambro-Norman period until the succession of mayors. While the first known charter was issued in 1205 by King John of England, the city had been declared to be a royal city by King Henry II of England in 1171. It is known that Waterford had a Provost in 1195, so certainly there was a civil administration prior to the establishment of the mayoralty. Source for information in this section:.

(Provosts of Waterford preceded the mayors. -- Need to be added.)

The mayor of Waterford wears a traditional gold chain during official duties.

The links on the chain commemorate individual past mayors, though the families of the mayors themselves are responsible for providing each link. Thus the number of links is far less than the total number of past mayors. Links may be added retroactively, usually by the descendants of past mayors.

Mayors are listed by year. Sources (Years 1377-1891), (Other years).

Charter revoked between the years 1495 to 1509 inclusive for unknown reason.

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