Battle of Connor facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Connor
Part of the Bruce campaign in Ireland
Date 10 September 1315 Location Connor, County Antrim Result Scottish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Scotland and Irish allies	Kingdom of England and Irish allies
Commanders and leaders
Edward Bruce	Richard Burke
Strength
at least 6,000	unknown
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown

The Battle of Connor was an important fight that happened on September 10, 1315. It took place near the modern village of Connor, County Antrim, in Ireland. This battle was a key part of the Bruce campaign in Ireland, where Edward Bruce tried to become King of Ireland.

Why the Battle of Connor Happened

The story of the Battle of Connor starts with Edward Bruce. He was the brother of Robert the Bruce, who was the King of Scotland. Edward Bruce landed in Larne, in County Antrim, on May 26, 1315. He came to Ireland with an army.

Soon after, many Irish leaders met Edward Bruce. Donall Ó Néill of Tyrone and about twelve other northern kings and lords promised to support him. They agreed to accept him as King of Ireland. Edward Bruce's army took control of the town of Carrickfergus. However, they could not capture Carrickfergus Castle. His army then moved south, heading towards Dundalk.

Before the Big Fight

Outside the town of Dundalk, Edward Bruce's army met another army. This army was led by John FitzGerald, 1st Earl of Kildare, and other important leaders. Bruce's Scottish and Irish forces pushed them back. On June 29, Bruce's army attacked Dundalk. They caused a lot of damage to the town and its people.

By July 22, a leader named Edmund Butler gathered an army. He was a high-ranking official in Dublin. His army came from the southern parts of Ireland. They planned to join Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, to fight Bruce. But de Burgh did not want Butler's army to enter his lands in Ulster. He was worried they would cause too much damage. Edward Bruce used this disagreement to his advantage. He managed to fight and defeat them separately.

The Battle Begins

Edward Bruce's army slowly moved north. This made de Burgh's army follow them. Bruce and his Irish allies then attacked Coleraine. They destroyed the bridge over the River Bann. This was a clever move to slow down de Burgh's pursuit.

Edward Bruce also sent messages to two rival Irish leaders. These leaders were Fedlimd Ó Conchobair and Ruaidri mac Cathal Ua Conchobair. He told each of them that he would support them as king in Connacht if they left the fight. Ruaidri immediately went home and started a rebellion. He declared himself king. Because of this, Felim's forces, who were helping de Burgh, also left. Felim had to go defend his own claim to the throne.

With de Burgh's army weakened, Edward Bruce's forces crossed the River Bann in boats. They then launched an attack. The Earl of Ulster, Richard de Burgh, had to retreat to Connor.

The two armies finally met in Connor on September 10, 1315. Edward Bruce's army, with their Irish allies, was stronger. They defeated de Burgh's forces, which were now much smaller. Taking Connor was a big win for Bruce. He could now get supplies for his army for the winter. These supplies had been gathered by the Earl of Ulster in Connor.

During the battle, the Earl of Ulster's cousin, William de Burgh, was captured. Other important lords and their heirs were also taken prisoner. Most of de Burgh's army retreated to the Castle of Carrickfergus. Bruce's army then began to surround and attack the castle. The Earl of Ulster managed to escape and return to Connacht.

What Happened Next

The government forces led by Butler did not fight Bruce. This allowed Bruce to strengthen his control over Ulster. His success in Ulster encouraged other rebellions in Meath and Connacht. This made de Burgh even weaker.

Even though Bruce won this battle and another one at the Battle of Skerries, his overall plan failed. His campaign to become King of Ireland was eventually defeated at the Battle of Faughart.