Siege of Wexford (1169)
| Siege of Wexford (1169) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Norman invasion of Ireland | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
|
Normans, forces of Diarmait mac Murchadha |
Norse-Gaels of Wexford | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
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Robert Fitz-Stephen, Diarmait mac Murchadha |
unknown | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 960, including: -40 Norman knights, -60 Norman armsmen, -360 Norman bowmen, -500 Leinster soldiers |
~2,000 | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| 18 killed | 3 killed, ships destroyed | ||||||||
The siege of Wexford took place in early May 1169 and was the first major clash of the Norman invasion of Ireland. The town was besieged by a combined force of Normans under Robert Fitz-Stephen and soldiers loyal to Diarmait mac Murchadha. After being ousted as King of Leinster, Diarmait had recruited the Normans to help him regain control of Leinster and the semi-independent Norse-Gaelic seaport of Wexford. Although the attackers did not breach the town's walls, Wexford surrendered after almost two days and came under Norman control.
In 1167, Diarmait Mac Murchada had been deposed as King of Leinster (Irish: Laighin) and exiled from Ireland by the High King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair and his ally Tigernán Ua Ruairc. Diarmait was determined to regain his kingdom and become High King himself. He fled to France and asked for military aid from the Anglo-Norman King of England, Henry II. Henry authorized Diarmait to seek help from the Anglo-Norman and Cambro-Norman lords in his kingdom. Those who agreed to help included Richard de Clare (nicknamed "Strongbow") and half-brothers Robert Fitz-Stephen and Maurice FitzGerald. Fitz-Stephan was accompanied by his half-nephew Robert de Barry. Strongbow was offered Diarmait's daughter Aoife in marriage and promised the kingship of Leinster on Diarmait's death. Robert and Maurice were promised lands inf Wexford and elsewhere for their services.
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