October 23rd, 2012

The Normans

In Fifth class we have been learning about the Normans in History.

We have been learning about the way the Normans came to Ireland to help Diarmuid MacMurrough who had been banished from Leinster by the high king Ruairí O'Connor. Diarmad had asked King Henry II, who was king of England and Normandy in France at the time, for help to regain control of Leinster. He sent Norman soldiers led by Richard de Clare or 'Strongbow' who helped defeat the Irish high king O'Connor. MacMurrough became high chief again and after his death Strongbow took his place.

We have been learning about Mottes and Baileys.

 A Motte is a huge amount of earth which is dug out and raised into a large mound A fort would be placed on that. The fort on the mound would give the lord a good view of the surrounding countryside. This would help in the event of an attack.

The Bailey was a courtyard where workers and soldiers lived. There were also workshops and stables there. The lords cows were also brought in at night for self keeping.

We have also learned about Feudal law and Brehon law. In Feudal law if a lord dies the land goes to his eldest son.

In Brehon law when a chief dies his land was passed onto any family member he chooses. 

We have been creating powerpoints on the laptops based on the Normans

By Alison, Sarah and Rian

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