Treaty the Issue whereof was Wexford surrendred that they yielded and delivered four Hostages to be kept by him for their good Behaviour and Fidelity to him for the future He no sooner was possessed of the City but he gave it with the whole Territory to Robert Fitz-Stephan and Maurice Fitz-Girald according to the Agreement he had made with him and to Hervey Mont-Maurice he gave in Fee two Cantreds or Hundreds between Wexford and Waterford lying upon the Sea Having thus reduced Wexford by the addition of the [4.] Ibid. c. 4. Dermot marches into Ossery People of that place he made up an Army of 3000 men with which he marched toward (d) A Portion of Leinster anciently and at the time of Conquest a County or Earldom Camd. Britan. f. 731. there are two of them one named Vpper-Ossery in the Diocess of Leighlin another called the lower lyes North of Ormond and is a Diocess of it self but the Bishops House and Residence is at Kilkenny So Holinshed in the Conquest of Ireland c. 4. Camden calleth the first Lower-Ossery ibid. f. 742. and the last Vpper-Ossery f. 744. Osserie the Prince whereof Duuenald or Donald amongst all his Rebels was the greatest Enemy to Dermot The Army advancing to the skirts and out-side of the Country entred a little way into it but finding the Passages into the inaccessible Woods and Bogs so secured Barricado'd fortified and guarded by the Osserians who resolved stoutly to defend themselves hereupon the Army retreated into the Plains the Osserians trusting to their former good Fortune in many other Ingagements and thinking their Enemies through fear had turned their backs issued out of their fastnesses and persued them in the open Fields Robert [5.] Ibidem Fitz-Stephan totally routs the Osserians Fitz-Stephan taking the advantage faced about with his Horse and charged them furiously making great Slaughter with the Lances and totally routed them and such as the Horse overthrew and trampled down the Foot with their Irish Axes cut off their Heads and presented them to Dermot After this they entred the most inward Parts of the Country and ruined it with Slaughter Rapine and Burning So that the Prince of Ossery The Prince of Ossery swears Fidelity to Dermot by advice of his Council desired Peace gave Hostages and sware Fidelity to Dermot It was rather a feigned than real Peace on both sides Robert Barrie and (e) Henry the First King of England had a base Son [8.] Sandford's Genealog Hist f. 31. by Nesta aforesaid Daughter to the King of South-Wales called Fitz-Henry or Fitz-Roy he was born bred lived and married in Wales and had two Sons Meiler and Robert the two Persons here mentioned Meyler were the most conspicuous for their Courage and Valor in this Engagement Dermot [6.] Ibid. c. 5. Roderic resolves with all his Force to oppose Dermot and his Strangers with this Success became formidable through the Island Roderic King of Connaught and (f) There was always [9] Holinsh Conquest of Ireland f. 8. n. 10. one Principal Governor amongst the Irish and he was commonly one of the Mac Carty's in Monster Morroghs in Leinster or O Conors in Connaught chosen by the Nobility he made Peace and War and what he commanded was always done Monarch of all Ireland by his Messengers called together all the Primates or Chief men of the whole Nation upon Consultation they agreed unanimously to rise against Dermot and led several Armies and an infinite multitude of Men says my Author into Leinster most of his pretended Friends forsake him not regarding their Promises or Oath Fitz-Stephan and his men with some few others stuck close to him and in a place not far from Ferns surrounded with thick Woods steep Mountains and Bogs by Nature and Situation almost inaccessible they secure themselves and by cutting down Trees and placing them so artificially and with Ditches and Pits which they digged in places of advantage they shut out their Enemies yet with great Art reserved entrance for their Friends Roderic [7] Ibid. c. 6. Roderic sollicits Fitz-Stephan to withdraw but prevails not sent to Fitz-Stephan and endeavoured to perswade him by great Promises and Gifts to depart and leave that Country with Love and Peace where he could challenge no right but prevailed not The same Messengers went to Fitz-Murchard to Mac Morogh to induce him to joyn Arms and destroy the Strangers with full assurance he should peaceably enjoy all Leinster and the firm friendship of Roderic but could not move him But at length [1] Girald Ibid c. 10. A Peace concluded between Dermot and Roderic by the intervening of Messengers and Friends a Peace was made on these Conditions That Dermot should enjoy Leinster acknowledging Roderic as Prince and Monarch of Ireland by due subjection and that the Peace might remain firm he delivered his Son * Cnothurn according to Stanihurst Cnuth to him as an Hostage This Agreement was published and confirmed by their Oaths and it was further privately agreed between them that Dermot should call no more Strangers into Ireland and that such as were there should be sent away Just after this Agreement [2] Ibid. c 11. Maurice Fitz-Girald lands at Wexford with a great Force Dermot marches towards Dublin and spoils the Country came Maurice Fitz-Girald Brother by the Mother to Fitz-Stephan with ten Knights thirty other Horse-men and one hundred Archers on Foot in two Ships and landed at Wexford Dermot rejoyced and was much encouraged at his coming and forthwith raised an Army and marched towards Dublin Maurice being General while Fitz-Stephan was busied in building a Castle upon a Rock called Karrec In a short space the whole Country belonging to the City and others adjoyning with Depredations Slaughters and Burnings was almost destroyed The Citizens desire Peace and gave good Security for their Fidelity to their Prince for the future In the mean time there happened [3] Ibidem Roderic makes War upon Donald Discord between Roderic Prince of Cannaught and Donald Prince of Limrick Roderic with Arms invades the Territories of Limrick Dermot sends Fitz-Stephan with his Troops to the Aid of his Son in Law Donald by whose assistance he obtained Victory in every Conflict He is overthâ—own and withdraws with disgrace insomuch as Roderic withdrew himself from his Government with disgrace Robert Barrie and his Brother Meiler were very eminent for their Bravery in these Engagements Fitz-Murchard or Morrogh [4] Ibid. c 12. Fitz-Murchard projects the obtaining the Monarchy of Ireland encouraged by this Success having regained his Country thought of recovering his antient Right and propounded to him himself the subduing of Connaught and obtaining the whole Monarchy of Ireland and secretly imparts his Project to Fitz-Stephan and Maurice They think it easily to be accomplished if he could procure more English Forces He sollicites Fitz-Stephan for more Forces from England And writes to Richard Earl of
could now beat them from their Camp Hereupon a great number of Horse and Foot were speedily assembled and made toward the Romans Caesar supposing it might so happen as in former times That the Britains being beaten would escape his Foot The Britains Overcome and save themselves by flight yet with about (r) Happily for CCC were written xxx or rather for 300 30 as Hottoman thinks by Mistake seeing 't is strange to think Caesar would joyn Battel with 30 Horse only 30 Horse which Comius of Arras brought over with him he placed the Legions in Battle-Array before the Camp not long after both Bodies were Engaged the Britains gave back and fled the Romans pursuing and killing many Burning and Wasting every where about as they returned to their Camp The same day the Britains send Ambassadors desiring Peace which they obtained They obtain Peace upon condition the number of Hostages before Imposed should now be doubled and sent after him into Gallia making hast thither because the Autumnal Equinox was at hand suspecting his Patch't and Crazie Ships might not well endure the Sea in Winter wherefore taking the first opportunity they Sailed soon after Midnight and came all safe to the Continent Caesar Winter'd in Belgia with all his Legions whither two only of the British Cities sent Hostages the rest (Å¿) This was his pretence of Invading Britain the Second time the People not thinking he would ever return to make War there again neglected Cajus Julius Câ— 52 53 Years before Christ The Roman Senate upon the Relation of these Services Decree him a (t) A Thanksgiving in Honor of him Supplication for 20 Days What. to their gods for 20 days in which by Decree of the Senate all the Temples of the gods were opened whither the People went cronwd with Garlands and offered Sacrifice with Singing Releasing Prisoners and other Triumphal Rites c. Supplication of Twenty Days Caesar departing from his Army in their Winter-Quarters went as his Custom was every (u) To observe what was done at Rome and to keep up his Interest among the People year into Italy first commanding the Lieutenants of every Legion they should build as many Ships as they could and Repair the old ones and directed they should be made Lower then those they used in the Mediterranean that they might more speedily be Laden Caes Com. Lib. v. Caesar goes into Italy and more easily drawn on Shore and for that by reason of the frequent changing of the Tide the Waves were less here then in their Seas and also Broader somewhat for the more commodious Transporting of Horses and other Cumbersome Fraight he ordered they should be nimble Vessels to which end their Lowness much conduced He returning to his Army by the singular Industry of the (x) There were all sorts of Artificers in their Legions and a Praefect or Master of them and the Soldiers themselves at their first entring into Service were Taught and did Learn Mechanic Arts. Portus Itius Where Soldiers At the Spring he returned Found 600. Ships built c. although there were a great scarcity of Materials found 600 Ships and 28 Long-Boats or Galleys built and within few days ready to be Launched Having Caressed the Soldiers and the Masters and Overseers of this Work he shews them what he would have done and Commands there should be a Rendezvous of them all at (y) Portus Itius Gessoriacus and Boulogne Cluverius affirms to be the same some think it to be Calais others a small Village called Withsan Vissen or Essen near Blaness in Boulonois between Calais and Boulogne where the nearest passage is into England or as others a kind of Marsh between those Towns where yet remain great heaps of Earth compassed with Ditches and a Tract of a Port. Port Itius from whence was the most commodious passage into Britain about 30 Miles from the Continent here he left a sufficient number of Soldiers to manage this Affair while he himself In which he Transports 6 Legions of Foot and 800. Horse with Six Legions and 800 Horse Marched into the Country of the (z) People of Old Belgium between the Mosell and the Rhene whose Chief City is now called Triers Aedui Who. and Where Seated upon the Mosell Treviri who would neither take Advice from or be Commanded by him But Hostages being given and things setled here and the (a) They had the right of Senators in the City and by the Senate were called Brothers they served in the Roman Army were Free and had the same Priviledges with Roman Soldiers Upon Caesars coming for Britain Dumnorix their Prince Mutinies and Revolts who being slain the rest Return to Obedience their Country was both the Burgundies Dutchy and County their Chief Town Bibracte after Augustodunum now Aâ—stun a small Bishoprick in the Dutchy of Burgundy Aedui reduc'd leaving Labienus to Guard the Haven and supply his wants he with Five Legions and 2000 Horse Imbarqu'd and about Sun-set sayl'd with a gentle South-west Wind which failed about Midnight and the whole Fleet being driven by the Current when it was light they could discover the Island on their Left-hand then taking advantage of the Tide turning they ply'd their Oars that they might reach that part of the Isle where they had Landed the Summer before in which Action the Diligence of the Soldiers was much to be praised who by an unwearied labor in Rowing caus'd their Ships of the greatest Burthen to keep way with the Long-Boats or Galleys they arrived about Noon where they saw no Enemy For as afterwards Caesar understood by the Captives Cajus Julius Caesar 53 54 Years before Christ the Britains coming thither in great numbers Armed when they saw so many Ships being of all sorts with their Victuallers esteemed Eight Hundred for fear they left the Shore and hid themselves in the Uplands Caesar Landing his Army and having advantageously Encamped it so soon as he knew from the Prisoners he had taken where the Enemy was leaving Ten Cohorts and 300 Horse under the Command of Q. Atrius to Guard his Ships then at Anchor after the (a) Three of the Clock in the Morning Third Watch he made toward the Enemy and having Marched Twelve Miles he discover'd them who with their Horse and Chariots advanced toward the (b) The River Stour in Kent The place Chilham or Julham That is Julius his Station or Mansion a small Town upon this River Camb. Brit. 237. As we commonly Gilian for Julian from Juliana Footmens Shields double one Broad and Flat the other concave like an half Tube in breadth 2 foot and half in length 4 foot Lib 49. f. 409. Rosin lib. 10. c. 16. between Canterbury and Wye beneath this Town is a Green Hillock Barrow or Sepulchre where the People report one Jul-laber was Buried who Camden thinks was Laberius the Tribune here slain his Conjecture is strengthened by the Distance of
De Primord Eccles c. 1 c. De Exord Christian Religion in his Counsils Baron Tom. 1.512 Parsons de Tribus Conv. Book 1. Alford Ann. Eccles Brit. fol. 11. and so forward Polydor. Virg. Histor Argl. lib. 2. fol. 19. Tacit. de vit Agric. c. 14.457 or whether it arrived here by any of the Apostles or by any from them by Special Mission or Designation or by accident as Polydor Quaeries in the Story of Joseph of Arimathaea it cannot be made out It is most probable and rational to assert that it came into Britain by Commerce with the Romans as by that the Manners of the Britains were Cultivated and their Barbarity Civiliz'd by some Converted Captives Hostages or Fugitives or with the Business and Traffique here of some other Christians of less note and whether it were from Rome or any other place the matter is not much Veranius succeeded Didius in the Lieutenancy of Britain and died within a year after him the Government was assigned to Suetonius Paulinus one of the most famous Military Men of his age who established what was gotten and proceeded to Conquer further until he came to the Island (y) The Isle of Anglesey in Wales Mona which was well Peopled and a Receptacle of Fugitives he makes flat-bottom'd Vessels in which he passed his Foot over the Shallows and Sands and his Horse following Suetonius Paulinus Tacit. lib. an 1â— cap. 30.250 There 250 251 either forded the Shallows or Swam Upon the Shore stood divers Bodies of Armed Men the Women in dismal Habit like Furies ran up and down with their Hair about their Ears and Fire-brands and burning Torches in their hands the Druids (z) Their Priests of whom afterwards lifting up their hands to Heaven filled the Air with hideous Cries and Curses The Roman Soldiers were astonished at the Novelty of the Spectacle and like Men Enchanted as if all their Limbs were rigid and benum'd stood still while they were wounded until the General spake and incouraged them not to fear a heard of silly Women or a Fanatick Multitude when they fell on knockt them down and threw them into their own Fires after this they placed Garrisons in their Towns and cut down their Woods and Groves consecrated to cruel Superstitions The cruel Superstition of the Britains in the Isle of Anglesey for they Sacrificed the Blood of Captives upon their Altars and Praedicted their Success by the Inspection of the Entrals of Men. While Suetonius was busied here he had News of a sudden Revolt of the Province Prasutagus King of the Icenians famous a long time for his Wealth and Opulency made Caesar Coheir with his two Daughters There Ch. 31.251 thinking thereby to preserve his Kingdom and Family from injury but it hapned otherwise his Kingdom was seized on and harassed by Centurions his House became a Prey to their Servants and under-Officers his Wife Boodicia (a) Boodicia vodica Boadicea according to some or as Dio Bunducia was Whipped his Daughters Ravished the Chief of the Icenians as if the Romans had received the whole Country by Gift were deprived of their Goods and dispossessed of their Estates and his Kindred made Slaves Dio. lib. 62.701 Seneca one of Nero's Counsellors having forced many of the Chief of the Britains to take great Sums of Money of him upon Usury did then for his private gain exact the Payment of it on a sudden to their utter ruin and Decianus Catus the Procurator in Britain renewed the Confiscation of their Goods which Claudiuus had remitted The Colony at Camalodunum thrust the Owners and Antient Inhabitants out of their Houses and Possessions calling them Vassals and Slaves the Temple also erected to Claudius was a great burthen to them while the Priests that attended there under pretence of Religious Dues seised each Mans Goods To these common Grievances of the afflicted People the present opportunity seemed to offer means of redress while the Roman General was in Mona The Iceni being made a Province The Iceni and Trinobantes Revolt There 701 and inciting the Trinobantes and other Nations not wholly brought under subjection to do the like take Arms and resolved to free themselves About this time diverse Prodigies were observed to portend the Sub version of the Roman Colony to wit Tacit. ann lib. 14. c. 32.251 Prodigies the Image of Victory falling down Revers'd at Camalodunum Strange Noises heard in the Air Strange Apparitions seen in the Sea the Ocean in shew Bloody and the Print of Mens Bodies upon the Sands and certain Women in Extasie foretold the Destruction to come These things as they terrify'd the Romans so they added courage to the Britains and because Suetonius was far absent the Colony required help of Decianus the Procurator but he sent them no more then 200 and those ill Armed The Soldiers trusting to the Protection of their Temple and not mistrusting the Conspiracy of some amongst them that favored the Britains neither Fortify'd themselves nor sent out of the Colony the Old Men and Women and such as were not able to bear Arms the Old Soldiers flee to the Temple which was Besieg'd and in two days forc'd Petilius Cerealis Lieutenant of the Ninth Legion coming to their Relief was met upon the way his Legion routed all his Foot slain he escaping with the Horse into the Roman Camp Catus whose Rapine and Extortion had partly caused this Insurrection fled into Gallia But Suetonius There c. 33.252 with wonderful presence of Mind Marcht through his Enemies Countries to London a place not known at that time by the Name of a Colony but famous only for concourse of Merchants and Traffique being doubtful whether he should make that the Seat of War he viewed his Soldiers and considering the small number of them and the rashness of Petilius resolves with the loss of one Town to save the rest nor was he moved with the Prayers or Tears of any that desired him to stay but giving the Signal of Departure took with him such as were able and willing to go such as through weakness of Age or Sex or for love of the place stay'd behind were oppressed and perished by the Enemy (a) The Ruines whereof are in and near St. Albans in Hartfordshire Verulamium a Roman Free-Town had the same fate for the Britains passing by the Forts and Garrisons assailed the Richest Places and most easie to be won lading themselves with the Spoils of their Enemies whom they Hanged Burned and Crucified There c. 33.252 using all the cruelty and inhumane outrage that a Giddy-Rabble elated with success could think of they took no Prisoners either to preserve them for Ransom or Exchange according to the Laws of War but cut in pieces both Romans and their Allies 80000 Romans slain Dio lib. 62.700 There lib. 62.701 to the number of 70 Thousand or as Dio 80 Thousand They hang'd up naked the Noblest and Honestest of
put himself into the Town with an Army which King Henry for the [4.] Ibidem f. 996. A. The Person of the King of France secures the City Cahors taken c. Honour he bare to him would not besiege but by force and through fear the greatest part of the Earldom was made subject to him He also took the City of Cahors From this Action of the King of France arose great Enmity between the Kings and the Normans and French prosecuted one another with Fire and Sword Gervase the Monk of Canterbury * Col. 1381. lin 3. The Relation of the Expedition of Tholose by Gervase of Canterbury gives a different Relation of this Expedition to Tholose He says the King took Scutage to the value of One hundred and fourscore thousand Pounds in England and accordingly in his other Countries That there were with him the King of Scots and a certain King of Wales and all the Earls and Barons of England Normandy Aquitan Anjou and Gascony and many others of divers Countries Horse and Foot That the City was besieged from Midsummer to Holy-Mass and that the King of France defended it so well as the King of England could not take it and so was forced to raise his Siege Fitz-Stephens * P. 8. Col. 2. in vita Thomae c. Reports That in this Expedition the Chancellor had 700 chosen Knights or Gentlemen that served on Horseback of his own Family or Dependents Cancallarius de propria familia lectam manum Militum septingenta Milites habebat and that if the King had followed his Advice he had taken Tholose and the King of France in it but being possessed with a vain Superstition and Reverence toward his Lord the King of France who had made himself his Enemy he never invested the City but went from it satisfying himself with the taking the City of Cahors and many Castles in the Neighbourhood of Tholose for the keeping whereof all the Earls refusing that Service only the Chancellor with his Attendants and Retinue and Henry de Essexia the Kings Constable stayed there who after the King was gone took in three strong Castles which seemed inexpugnable The Chancellor himself appearing before them in his Arms and then passing the River Garonne reduced all that Country and made it subject to the King from whence he went to him and was received with great Favour and Honour In the Month of October [5.] Ib. C. D. King Henry having fortified Cahors as a Check upon Tholose and recommended it to the Care of Thomas * That is Thomas Becket his Chancellor and having fixed Garisons in Places necessary and convenient and confiding in the Assistance of Raimond Berengar Earl of Barcelone Tranchevel Earl of Nimes and William of Montpelier King Henry returns into Normandy destroys and burns Towns and Villages his faithful Confederates he returned into Normandy and thence with a great Force went into le Beauaisis destroyed the strong Castle of Guerberes and burnt many Towns and Villages Simon Earl of Montfort at that time delivered up to King Henry his Places of Strength in France Rochfort Montfort Espernon and the rest with great detriment to the King of France for none of his People could pass freely from Paris to Stamps or Orleans for being disquieted with the Normans he had put into those Castles and for this Cause a Truce or Cessation of Arms was made between the two Kings A Truce between the two Kings from December until eight days after Whitsunday In his return from this Expedition of Tholose William Earl of Moreton died without Children and King Henry took his Earldom into his Hands In this War * Ibid. p. 9. Col. 1 2. between the Kings of France and England on the Borders of their Territories the Chancellor besides his own Retinue the Seven hundred Horse or Knights had 1200 others Stipendiaries and Four thousand * Or it may be these 4000 Servientes were Foot for sometimes there were Servientes pedites Servientes or Ordinary Horse or Attendants for one Month and every Knight or Miles received every day to provide for his Horses and Esquires ad Equos Armigeros c. three Shillings of that Country Money Ipsi Milites The Knights themselves had their Diet from the Chancellor who though he was a Clerk Tilted with a Knight of France named Engelram de Trie and with his Lance unhorsed him and gained his Horse In the whole Army of the King his Knights were always the first that engaged and always dared most The King and Queen kept their [6.] Ibid. D. f. 997. A. Christmass at Falais from whence she went for England and not long after * 'T is so said in this Author But see Anno Dom. 1166. Maud the Empress sickned and died and by the Advice of her Son gave all her Riches to be distributed to the Churches Monasteries and the Poor In May following there was a [7.] Ibidem firm Peace Established between the two Kings * Vid. Rob. de Monte. An. Do. 1161. A Peace between the two Kings A Norman great Council or Parlement In July Henry called together all the Bishops Abbats and Barons of Normandy at New-Market and King Lewis all his Bishops Abbats and Barons at Beavais where they Treated about the Reception of Pope Alexander chosen by the Cardinals and the Rejection of Victor elected by the Emperor Frederic and his Friends They consented to the first and disowned the last In September Queen Alienor [8.] Ibid. B. by the Kings Command returned into Normandy and carried with her his Son Henry and his Daughter Maud. In October [9.] Ibidem the two Kings met again and confirmed the former Peace Upon the [1.] Ibid. Rad. de Diceto Col. 523. n. 20 30. A. D. 1160. Henry and Margaret are Married Third of November by the Authority and Allowance of Henry of Pisa and William of Papia Priest Cardinals and Legats to the Pope there was a Marriage solemnized between Prince Henry the King of Englands Son of Seven years of Age and Margaret Daughter of King Lewis by his second Wife Constantia the * King Lewis Married her after the Divorce of Alienor Chron. Nor f. 989. D. The three Templars Commanders of these Castles were Robert de Pirou Tostes of St. Omer and Richard de Hastings The King of France expelled them his Kingdom but the King of England received and much enriched them Hoved f. 282. a. n. 10. Daughter of Alfonso King of Spain about Three years of Age who was then at Newburgh in the Custody of King Henry by which Marriage he obtained the Castle of Gisors which by Agreement of the two Kings was to remain in the keeping of Knights Templars until the Consummation of a Marriage between these two young Persons and then to be delivered to King Henry With Gisors he received also as Dependencies upon it the Castles of Neausle
a Book written in Latin by an Irish Frier and [9] F. 148. I take this to be the Book of Houth so often cited by Camden and Dr. Hanmer translated by Dowdall Primate there into English A. D. 1551. gives a more full account of them and of this John de Curcy Who was [1] Ibidem John de Curcy's descent by his Father a Norman by his Mother a Cambrian Britain or Welchman and married the Daughter of Guthred King of Man he served King Henry in all his Wars In France he became acquainted with Sir Amoric Tristram who married Curcy's Sister and whether from the Ladies name or that they were married on St. Laurence day he was ever after called Amoric de Sancto Laurentio and his Descendents always bore that Surname from whence the Lords of Houth were lineally descended These two Knights became sworn Brethren in the Church of our Lady at Rhone where they solemnly vowed to serve together to live and dye together and equally divide between them what they got by the Sword or should be given them for their Service thus they continued together in France Anjou Normandy and England and when Sir John de Curcy was joyned in Commission with William Burgh Fitz-Adelm He enters into a strict Alliance with Sir Amoric de Sancto Laurentio and others Sir Amoric de Sancto Laurentio or St. Laurence accompanied him into Ireland where Curcy received a Grant from the King by Patent for him and his Heirs or Assigns to enjoy in that Nation all he could Conquer with his Sword reserving to the King Homage and Fealty They Landed at (c) Houth a Town or place within a Bay not far from Dublin Haven Houth and there by a Bridge were opposed by the Irish with whom there was a Bloody Conflict Sir John de Curcy was then sick and remained on Ship-board Sir Amoric being General behaved himself most worthily many fell on both sides and he got the Victory with the loss of seven of his own Blood and Relations for which good Service and his Valour Sir John de Curcy allotted him the Lordship of Houth with other things as his share of the Conquest This seems rather an Invention of the Frier concerning the Original of the House of Louth by the manner of the Story than a real Truth but as I find it I leave it and pass on to the four other Battles Four Battles fought by John de Curcy The first [2] Ib. f. 152. He beats the Vlster men was fought on Midsummer-day following before the Walls of Doun with fifteen thousand Irish in which Curcy was Victor and beat them so much that the Vlster men had no great stomach to set upon the English afterward here Sir Amoric was wounded and lost much Blood his Wounds were so many and so dangerous that he was given over by Physitians and Chirurgions for nine days yet recovered his Son Sir Nicholas St. Laurence was almost in as ill a condition with his Wounds yet did well again The Second was in [3] Ib. f. 153.154 He conquers the Irish at Fern and takes a great number of Cattle Fern against Eleven thousand Irish the English not being above a tenth part of the number The occasion of it this Sir John de Curcy had built many Castles in Vlster especially in that part of it called Fern where Mac Mahon lived he was very kind to Curcy and had sworn to be a true and faithful Subject whereupon he gave him two Castles with the Lands belonging to them within a month Mahon pulled them down and levelled them with the ground Curcy demanded the reason of his so doing his answer was he did not promise to hold Stones of him but Land For which Practice and slight answer Curcy resolved to pillage and drive all the Cattle he could out of his Country the Prey was so great that it could not be driven in one Body and therefore was divided into three parts as were Curcy's men that drove it The ways were narrow Boggy and Miry having thick Bushes on both sides and the three Droves of Cattle were three Miles in length The Irish in like manner divided themselves into three Bodies The English defeated of their Prey by an Ambuscade of the Irish and lay in Ambush in the Woods ready to take all advantages when they set upon the English they made such shouts and such an hideous noise that the Cows saith my Author ran like Devils and overthrew Horse and Man so that more were trodden under foot in the Dirt and Mire by the Cows than were killed by the Sword of the Irish The English were broken to pieces Sir Roger Poer for this Book Knights them all was taken Prisoner and rescued by Sir Amoric and he and Sir John Curcy in their flight and in several Skirmishes killed nineteen score of those that persued them amongst whom was Mac Mahâ—n himself slain by the base Son of Sir Amoric at length in the Evening they by chance recovered an old Fort in which they secured themselves Sir Amoric after a short sleep went out to discover the Enemies Camp which was not far off The Irish routed and slain by Sir Amoric's Policy as appeared by the great Fires they had made in it and to see in what posture they were he found they were in a careless and negligent condition without either almost Watches or Guards and most of them asleep he made a speedy return and pressed his Brother Sir John de Curcy that they might march with all their strength and catch them Napping which was done and they killed the Irish without resistance and so many of them that not above Two hundred escaped that were very nimble footed The English lost the day before Four hundred men and in this Mornings work only two Giraldus Cambrensis [4] Lib. 2. c. 16 f. 795. lin 6. in his short Account of this Action says only it happened in the taking of Prey and by reason of the narrow passages after many great and doubtful Fightings and Skirmishes John de Curcy was overcome many of his men being slain and others dispersed in the Woods so as he hardly escaped with eleven men yet with an undaunted Courage and with so small a number he marched Thirty Miles on Foot having lost their Horses armed and fasting two days and nights continually defending themselves from the attacks and assaults of their persuing Enemies until they recovered his own Castle The Third was [5] Haâ—m Chronicle of Ireland f. 155 156. Anciently in Latin Ergalia it contained the Countries about Louth Mâ—naghan and Ardmagh fought in that part of Vlster called * Vriel John de Curcy had sent into England for Victuals Ammunition and other necessaries by stress of Weather the Ship that brought them was driven into a Creek there called Torshead O Hanlan with other Irish board the Vessel kill the men and Mariners in it and make it a Prize Curcy
sinum suscepisse unde quisquis ei de Amplitudinis nostrae Finibus tanquam homini fideli nostro Restitutionis Auxilium impendere voluâ—rit se nostram ad hoc tam Gratiam Noverit quam licentiam obtinere â— Henry King of England Duke of Normandy and Aquitan and Earl of Anjou to all his Vassals or Subjects English Normans Welsh and Scots and to all Nations under his Dominion Greeting Know ye that We have received Dermot Prince of Leinster into our Favour and Protection Wherefore whoever within any of Our Dominions will aid assist and help to restore him may know â—he hath Our Favour and License in this matter With these Letters he came into England and for his Conveniency repaired [7.] Ibidem c. 2. Dermot comes into England and causes the Kings Letters to be read He gives large Promises to such as should assist him to Bristol where he could by Ships coming from Ireland often receive information of the State and Condition of his Country and People While he was there he caused the Kings Letters to be frequently read in the Audience of much People and made great promises to settle Lands upon and give great Wages or Pay to such as would assist and serve him but in vain At length (a) He was a Norman by Extraction and Descended from [9.] Dugd. Baron Tom. 1. f. 208 209. Strongbow what he was Richard the eldest Son of Gilbert Sirnamed Crispin Earl of Brion in Normandy Son of Geofry Base Son to Richard the first of that name Duke of Normandy Thus Gilbert Crispin Earl of Brion in Normandy Richard his Son Gilbert de Tonebrigg from his place of Residency his eldest Son Richard his eldest Son Gilbert Sirnamed Strongbowe his second Son made Earl of Pembroke by King Stephen Anno Domini 1138. Richard Earl of Strigul now Chepstow so called from his Residence there his Son Married to Eva Daughter of Dermot King of Leiâ—ster Richard Earl of Strigul now Chepstow in Monmouthshire Son of Earl Gilbert called Strongbow came to Discourse with him and it was agreed between them that the Earl should next Spring assist him in the Recovery of his Country and that Dermot should give unto him in Marriage his eldest Daughter with the Succession of his Kingdom The Agreement thus concluded Dermot was very desirous to see his own Nation and forthwith went to St. Davids in South-Wales from whence was the nearest Passage into Leinster where Rice or Rese Fitz-Grifin had the chief Command under the King and David the Second was Bishop of St. Davids They both Commiserated the Calamity of the Exile and pitied his Condition At this time (b) He was [1.] Sandf Geneal Hist f. 31. Fitz Stephen what he was Son of Stephen Constable of the Castle of Abertivy by Nesta Daughter of Rhees ap Tewdor or great Rice or Rese King of South Wales She had a former Husband called Girald or Gerold of Windsor Constable of Pembroke Castle and Father of Maurice Fits Girald Both these Constables were [2.] Giral ut sup Cap. 2. f. 761. n. 20. Normans and were the Progenitors of the Fits-Giralds and Fits-Stephans in Ireland Robert Fitz-Stephan Governor of (c) From Aber the Mouth and the River Teife or Tefie or as it is now called Tivy Abertivy is now called Cardigan which is seated upon that River near the Mouth of it Abertefie or Aberteife who by the Treachery of his own People was taken and delivered to Rese and by him had been detained in Bonds and imprisoned three years and was now released upon Condition he should take up Arms with him against the King of England But he had no mind to that Service and chose rather to make his Fortune abroad By the Mediation therefore of his Brothers by the Mother David Bishop of St. Davids and Maurice Fitz-Girald he obtained License of Rice and in their presence made a Contract with Dermot That upon Condition he would grant them the City of Wexford in Fee with two Cantreds or Hundreds adjoyning Maurice Fitz-Girald and himself would assist him next Spring Hereupon he returned to St. Davids Shipped himself and came privately to Ferns not far from Wexford and remained with the Clergy of that place all Winter [8.] Ibidem C. 3. Anno Domini 1169 or 1170. Robern Fitz-Stephan goes to the Assistance of Dermot In the mean while Robert Fitz-Stephan not unmindful of his Engagement Embarked with 30 Knights 60 Esquires or Men at Arms on Horseback and 300 Archers on Foot in three Ships and landed about the first of May at Bannogh Bay not far from Waterford Herveie of Mount-Maurice accompanied him a Client or Dependent of Earl Richards and went rather as a * Not upon his Country-men but as a Discoverer of the Country for the Information of Earl Strongbow Spie than Soldier On the Morrow the tried brave and stout Maurice de Prendergast so called from a place of that name near Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire following Fitz-Stephan to the Aid of Dermot set Sail from Milford-Haven and landed at the same place with ten Knights and many Archers which he transported in two Ships Not thinking themselves safe where they were their landing being known to the Country they dispatched Messengers to Dermot who forthwith sent his Base Son Donald with 500 Men to receive them and came after him with all speed where renewing the former Agreement and confirming it with their Oaths they joyn their Forces and march toward Wexford about twelve Miles from Bannogh Upon their coming near it the Townsmen to the number of 2000 go forth with intention to give them Battle but when they saw the Order of the Foot the Arms Discipline and Appointment of the Horse such as before they had not known their minds were presently changed Fitz-Stephan Assaults Wexford but is repulsed they burn the Suburbs and retire into the Town Fitz-Stephan and his Men prepare for an Assault he caused the Ditches to be filled by the labour of Armed Men while the Archers at a distance watched and observed the Walls and Towers They scale the Walls with great Courage and Shouts The Citizens make a stout Defence throw down from the Walls great pieces of Timber and Stones by which they hurt many and beat them off a little Amongst those which were hurt one Robert Barrie a brave young Gentleman was beaten from almost the top of the Wall with a great Stone that fell upon his Head-piece yet was carried off by his Comrades with safety of his Life Upon this Repulse they withdrew themselves from the Walls and burnt all the Ships they could come at on the Strand and in the Haven He burns all the Ships in the Haven The next day [3] Girald ut supra l. 1. c. 3. they proceed more warily to an Assault and when they came near to the Walls the Citizens despairing of defending their City and considering they unjustly resisted their Prince desired a
Forces he conducted the Earl to Wexford leaving the care of that Town unto one Tyrell or Purcell him the Waterfordians slew and all the English they could find in the Streets or in their Houses Man Woman and Child not sparing Age or Sex yet the City it self was preserved by such as were in Reginald's Tower who drove the Traytors out of the City and forced them to seek for Peace which they obtained upon hard Conditions Reymund marries Basilia At Wexford Reymund was married to Basilia and the Wedding night being over next day hearing Roderick King of Connaught had again destroyed Mâ—th and was marched into the Country near Dublin went with his Forces toward him but he stayed not his coming Reymund finding him retired repaired the Castles in Meth and brought things to such a pass as through fear of him the Nation for some short time remained in Peace But long it was not [7] Ibid. c. 8. Donald breaks his Oath made to King Henry e're Donald O Breen or Brin King of Limerick and Mounster departed from the Fealty he had sworn to the King of England Whereupon Reymund gathered together an hundred Knights or men at Arms and with twenty other Horse-men as his Guard three hundred Archers on Horseback and as many on Foot about the first of October attacqued Limerick and coming to the River Shanon that almost encompasseth the City which was deep and swift they could proceed no further David Welsh his Courage David Welsh so called from his Family not Country a couragious young Gentleman that despised Death in respect of Honor forced his Horse into the River and passed over it and from the place where he was cried out to the Army he had found a Foord yet none followed him but one Geofry Judas a common Soldier who was drowned Meiler seeing this envying the Courage and Honor that David Welsh had got in his passing over and safe return clapt Spurs to his Horse and went through the River notwithstanding the great danger he was to undergo from the Stones thrown at him from the Walls and the opposition he was to meet with at his going out of it on the other side yet he got safe upon Land and was presently encountred by the Enemy Reymund observing in what danger his Nephew was incouraged his Army and led them over with the loss only of two of his Guards and one common Soldier named Guido Reymund takes Limerick that were drowned He presently drove the Enemy into the City and with great slaughter of the Citizens took it by force wherein the Army found much rich Booty and Gold When Reymund [8] Ibid. c 10 had put the City into good order leaving there fifty Knights or men at Arms with 200 ordinary Horse and as many Archers he marched into Leinster leaving Miles of St. Davids Governor of it Hervey de Monte Marisco envying the Honor and Success of Reymund notwithstanding he was related to him by the Marriage of his Cousin German Nesta Hervey endeavors to undermine Reymund the Daughter of Maurice Fitz-Girald plied the King continually with secret and malitious Informations against him insinuating and asserting that he would not only subdue and usurp to himself and followers the Country of Limerick but also the whole Nation of Ireland The King moved with this Information and giving credit to Hervey sent [9] Ibid. c. 11 four Legats or Commissioners Robert Poer Osbert de Hereford William de Bendinges and Adam de Gernemie or rather Gernemâ—e whereof two were to come with Reymund being recalled into England and two were to stay with the Earl But it so happened that while Reymund was preparing for his passage into England Messengers came from the [1] Ibid. c. â—2 Garison in Limeric Donald besieges Limeric relating that Donald O Breen Prince of Tuomond with a great multitude had besieged or encompassed it and that in Winter time they had spent most of their Victuals and therefore desired sudden Relief The Earl was very earnest and sollicitous to relieve them and called upon and quickened the Army to that undertaking Reymund sent to relieve it but they all denied to march without Reymund The Earl advising with the Kings Commissioners at length as well by the earnest request and pressure of him as of them Reymund undertook the Service and marching towards Cashil with 80 Knights or men at Arms 200 ordinary Horse and 300 Archers besides the Irish he brought with him Murchard Prince of Kincel perhaps now Kynsale and Donald Prince of Ossory he heard that Donald of Tuomond had left the Siege of Limeric and was coming to meet him at the Pass of Cassil which was of it self very strong but by new fortifying it with Ditches cutting down of Trees placing them Artificially and making strong Hedges it was made as it were impassable The Army [2] Ibid. c 13. Meyler enters Limeric marched in three Divisions Meyler commanded the first who made such a furious onset at the Pass as he almost destroyed the Hedge and Barricado of Trees killing many of the Defendents and opened his way through it by the Sword on the Vigil or Eve of Easter and on Tuesday that week entred Limeric with his Victorious Army and repaired what had been ruined or destroyed by the Siege Not long after [3] Ibidem Conaught and Tuomond swear Fealty to King Henry Reymund had Conference with the Princes of Conaught and Tuomond on the same day but not in the same place after much discourse each Prince gave Hostages and swore inviolable Fidelity for the future to the King of England and his Substitutes No sooner [4] Ibidem Reymund helps Dermot against his Rebel Son was Reymund returned with his Hostages to Limeric but Dermot Mac-Carty sent and supplicated him for assistance against his eldest Son Cormach O Lechan who had almost driven him out of his Kingdom promising him and his Soldiers large rewards He takes advice about his request and then marches to Cork takes the Town subdues the Rebel Son and restores the Father and returned with much Booty and good satisfaction to Limeric Under pretence of Peace the Son caught his Father and imprisoned him the Father under the same pretence got his Son and chopt off his Head A. D. 1175. After this the Prince of Conaught sent his Submission and Conditions to the King of England [5] Hoved. f. 312. b. n. 10 20. King Henry holds a Council at Windsor by his three Commissioners Catholic Archbishop of Tuam Cantord Abbat of St. Brandan and Laurence his Chancelor On the sixth of October the King held a great Council at Windsor present there the King his Son the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishops of England and present also Laurence the Archbishop of Dublin and the Earls and Barons of England where they made this Concord and Agreement on behalf of Roderic of Conaught First The King of England [6] Append.