Historical Society welcomes guest speaker

Tim, a Medieval History and Literature graduate and author of ‘Lions of the Grail’, gave a talk entitled ‘The Forgotten Scottish Invasion of Ireland’. Concentrating on some of the local aspects to Ulster such as the siege of Carrickfergus Castle, the battle of Connor and the final battle of Faughart, Tim described the key events of the seldom mentioned 1315 invasion by Edward Bruce (or Edward de Brus), the younger brother of Robert the Bruce.

At a time when loyalties often changed as events unfolded, Edward’s main mission in invading Ireland was to create a second front in the ongoing war against England, draining her of much needed men, materials and finance by creating havoc in Ireland. He succeeded in creating havoc throughout Ireland but then, on 14 October 1318, the Scots-Irish army of Edward was badly defeated at the Battle of Faughart by Sir John de Bermingham’s forces. Edward was killed, his body being quartered and sent to various towns in Ireland, and his head being delivered to King Edward II. Part of him is buried in the churchyard on the Hill of Faughart on the Cooley peninsula near Dundalk.

Next month the Society meets on Wednesday, November 7, to hear about ‘The Ulster Suffragettes’. 2012 marks the centenary commemoration of the first women in Ireland imprisoned as a consequence of their militant fight for the vote. Well known author of Irish women’s history, Dr Margaret Ward, will discuss the leading figures in the Ulster Suffragettes, who risked prison and physical attack in their struggle for equality.