The Waterford Rebellion of 1174: The Normans on the Brink of Defeat

Episode overview

After the devastating defeat at Thurles, Strongbow retreats to Waterford only to face an Ostmen rebellion that threatens to destroy the Norman position. The episode examines the conflicting accounts of Strongbow’s retreat, his possible refuge on Inis Teimle, his desperate appeal to Raymond le Gros and Rory O’Connor’s preparations for a great new offensive.

This episode page explores the crisis that followed Thurles, when rebellion in Waterford left Strongbow isolated and raised the possibility that the Norman colony might collapse.

Topics covered

• The aftermath of the Norman defeat at Thurles
• The Ostmen rebellion in Waterford
• Strongbow’s retreat and possible refuge on Inis Teimle
• The appeal for Raymond le Gros to return to Ireland