Battle of Carrickfergus (1597) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Carrickfergus
Part of the Nine Years' War
Date 4 November 1597 Location near Carrickfergus, northeastern Ireland Result MacDonnell victory
Belligerents
Clan MacDonnell of Antrim	England
Commanders and leaders
James MacSorley MacDonnell	John Chichester  †
Strength
1,500	?
Casualties and losses
low	180 killed, 30-40 wounded

The Battle of Carrickfergus happened in November 1597. It took place near Carrickfergus in what is now County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This battle was part of the Nine Years' War in Ireland.

The fight was between the English army of Queen Elizabeth I and the MacDonnell clan. The MacDonnells also had help from Hugh O'Neill, a powerful Irish leader. The battle ended with a victory for the MacDonnells.

Why the Battle Happened

The north-east part of Ulster was a very important area in the 1500s. Many groups wanted control of it. Carrickfergus was once a base for the English. They tried to set up a colony there in the 1570s, but it didn't work out.

Later, the MacDonnell clan, led by Sorley Boy, became very strong in the area. In 1595, Irish lords in Ulster started a rebellion. This was led by Hugh O'Neill. At this time, the English only held Carrickfergus and a small fort in Belfast.

The MacDonnells didn't fully join the English side. They also didn't fully join the rebellion right away. But they did help Tyrone get weapons from Scotland.

In 1597, John Chichester became the new English governor of Carrickfergus Castle. He had won some battles against other Irish clans. He was talking with James MacSorley MacDonnell, Sorley Boy's nephew. They were discussing some recent attacks and counter-attacks.

The Scottish side was upset about some cavalry (horse soldiers) actions. These had happened when the governor was away. So, they set up a meeting for November 4, 1597. They wanted to discuss payments for the damage.

What Chichester didn't know was that James MacSorley had met with Tyrone on November 1. Tyrone offered his daughter for marriage. More importantly, he sent 500 Irish soldiers with guns to help the MacDonnells.

The Battle Begins

East wall and keep of Carrickfergus Castle

On the day of the meeting, the English saw MacDonnell coming towards Carrickfergus Castle. He was leading about 700 soldiers. Governor Chichester didn't want to seem weak. So, he marched out with most of his own men. He had five groups of foot soldiers and one group of horse soldiers. His men were tired from a recent trip.

Chichester led his troops about four miles. Then they met the Scottish forces. He stopped to let his soldiers catch up. During this time, his officers talked. One experienced officer told the governor to just have the meeting.

But when his troops were ready, Chichester turned to his commander, Captain Marmion. He asked, "Now, Captain, those are your old friends. What do you say? Should we attack them?" Marmion agreed, and so did the horse commander, Moses Hill.

The Fight Unfolds

The order to attack was given. The Scottish soldiers started to fall back over the hills. But the English horse riders were not sure where to go. Governor Chichester quickly found himself alone with a small group of men. These men had managed to keep up with him.

Also, MacDonnell had led the English into a trap. He had hidden 800 soldiers behind his main group. These hidden soldiers included Scottish archers, swordsmen, and Irish pikemen. But most importantly, there were 500 Irish soldiers with guns.

Suddenly, many shots were fired at the English soldiers. These came from Tyrone's hidden gunmen. The Scottish and Irish soldiers then rushed forward. They broke the English army's formation.

Governor Chichester was shot in the leg. But he tried to get back on his horse and lead his men down the hill. Then he was shot in the head and died right away. Another officer was shot in the head and captured. Another had his horse shot from under him. And another was shot in the shoulder.

After the Battle

The English soldiers were very upset. Even though more soldiers came out from the castle to help, it was too late. These reinforcements included sick soldiers, showing how few men the English had left. They stopped a complete disaster, but many English soldiers died. About 180 were killed, and 30-40 were wounded.

Some English soldiers managed to escape by swimming in Larne Lough. They reached the shore of Island Magee. After the battle, James MacSorley had Chichester's head cut off. It was put in a barrel and sent to the Earl of Tyrone.

The English defeat was partly blamed on not having enough gunpowder. But people also blamed the governor for being careless and making bad decisions. MacDonnell easily explained why he had acted the way he did. It was a bit ironic that the Scots won. MacDonnell's father, Sorley Boy, had attacked Carrickfergus over twenty years before. This was in revenge for a terrible event that happened to his clan.

Images for kids

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  Carrickfergus Castle

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  East wall and keep of Carrickfergus Castle