IWorg.Com The Irish Wargaming Homepage

A 1-day wargames event in Dublin during August.

The Historical Strongbow
Our competition is named after Strongbow or Richard fitz Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Pembroke (1130AD - 1176AD). Our logo features his seal.

Who was this guy?

The short answer is that he was the leader of the Norman expedition to Ireland in 1169-1170AD and so he fills a role similar to that of William the Conquerer in Irish eyes.

A longer answer would place him in the Cambro-Norman aristocracy of Wales during the 12th century. Both he and his father shared the name Strongbow, it may come from their lordship of Netherwent (Ghent) which was a region known for the use of an exceptionally long and strong bow.

When Strongbow's father died during the period of civil unrest in England during the 1140's, Henry II refused to acknowledge Strongbow's claim to the lands of Pembroke. This meant that Strongbow was well-disposed when Dermot McMurchada, the deposed king of Leinster, was looking for help to regain his lands. Strongbow led the group of Anglo-Normans (many of them his relations) that swiftly helped McMurchada regain his kingdom and take Dublin, Waterford and Wexford. After a period of mutual mistrust, Strongbow reaffirmed his submission to Henry II and was named as governor (royal justicar) of Ireland in 1173AD.

Geraldus Cambrensis describes Strongbow as a tall man with red hair, freckles, grey eyes and a soft voice. Geraldus says:

"In war Strongbow was more of a leader than a soldier... When he took up his position in the midst of battle, he stood firm as an immovable standard around which his men could re-group and take refuge. In war he remained stedfast and reliable in good fortune and bad alike..."

Let's hope that when you visit you can emulate this approach across the tabletop!