Maurice de Prendergast facts for kids
Maurice de Prendergast was a brave Norman knight who lived a long time ago, around the years 1169 to 1174. He played an important part in the Norman invasion of Ireland.
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Who Was Maurice de Prendergast?
Maurice de Prendergast came from a place called Prendergast in Wales. Today, this area is part of Haverfordwest. A Norman knight was a skilled warrior from Normandy (a region in France) or someone of Norman descent who had settled in places like England or Wales.
Joining the Irish Conflict
In 1169, Maurice was hired by a ruler named Domnall Mac Gilla Pátraic. Domnall was the king of an Irish kingdom called Osraige. He needed help to fight against another Irish king, Diarmait Mac Murchada of Leinster. Interestingly, Diarmait had also brought in Norman fighters to help him!
Maurice de Prendergast then became involved in the big historical event known as the Norman invasion of Ireland.
Landing in Ireland
Maurice was one of the very first Norman fighters to arrive in Ireland during this invasion. He landed in Bannow Bay in May 1169. He arrived with other important Norman figures like Meiler FitzHenry and Miles FitzDavid.
After landing, Maurice took part in an important battle. This was the Siege of Wexford. A siege is when an army surrounds a town or castle to try and capture it.
More Details About His Arrival
Historians have studied old writings to learn about Maurice. One important historical text, called the "Expugnatio," tells us more.
According to later versions of this text, Maurice de Prendergast arrived the day after some of the first Norman groups. He was described as a very brave soldier. He came from a part of South Wales called Rhos. Maurice sailed from Milford with ten men-at-arms (trained soldiers) and many archers (people who use bows and arrows). They traveled in two ships and also landed at Bannow Bay.
