THE PLANTATION OF ULSTER Vikings in 8th and 9th centuries
The first Vikings who came to Ireland raided monasteries close to the coast or accessible along rivers. Very soon, however, Vikings built winter encampments in coastal locations. These developed into towns. Dublin, Cork and Waterford were examples of these. They built embankments with timber walls (or palisades) on top around the settlement for defence. These towns connected with Viking trading in Europe, they spoke Norse and introduced some words such as margadh (market) into the Irish language.
Anglo-Normans in 12th century
The Normans (or Anglo-Normans) developed the existing Viking towns and added over 50 new towns of their own. The new towns were built near monastic sites or castles, and on rivers or along the coast. Examples included Kilkenny, Trim, Athenry and Fethard. All the Norman towns were given royal charters to trade and collect taxes; they developed markets and they built stone walls and erected gates. Some spoke French, initially, but then the towns became centres of English influence over time. The towns differed from the Gaelic Irish in the countryside in language, laws, customs and economy.
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Viking and Norman towns in Ireland. Can you name the towns which have not been named in the map?
How did Viking and Norman towns influence identity in Ireland?
Features of town life
● Non-farming work ● Greater variety of jobs and trades ● Denser population ● Centre of trade ● Centre of government
