The de Lacy Origins introduces you to the remarkable de Lacy family.,
From invading Norsemen through Normandy to England in 1066
On the second page, the de Lacy Marcher Lords established themselves first on the
English-Welsh border before aiding the King of England in opening Ireland to the Norman conquest.
At the end of the de Lacy baron's era, de Lacy's descendants continued to prosper as the
de Lacys of Limerick up to the days of the Tudors to Oliver Cromwell, who brought ruin to Ireland.
The de Lacys of Limerick were part of the so-called “Wild Geese”
who became leading Generals in many European wars.
In the eleventh century, you will find an impressive page, Ilbert de Lacy, founded the
Honour of Pontefract Castle his family were leader in English wars and Royal politics.
If you are related to the
de Lacy family, the de Lacy family tree page will answer many of your questions.
The de Lacy Origins introducing you to the remarkable de Lacy family.,
Slides and the relevant facts from my de Lacy presentation days
The ninth century was a turbulent time for Norway. To larger a population fighting over too few resources from the sparse land. Out of this chaos, Harald Fairhair on taking the throne decided that rather than fight each other those brave enough should make a fresh start beyond Norway.
Over 700 longboats left Norway that year. Eventually, 350 Longboat's crews decided to stay in the North of Scotland. Rollo and his men sailed south. He knew there were Over 700 longboats that left Norway that year. Eventually, 350 Longboat's crews decided to stay in the North of Scotland. Rollo and his men sailed south. He knew there were greener lands further to the south.
They sacked the French town of Rouen and sailed up the river until they neared Paris, where they found stiff resistance from the French Army. Rather than lose men, Rollo withdraws, knowing their prospect back downstream would be better. They found an ideal riverside base between the coast and Paris, with high mountains on either side of the river.
Here, they were able to see all boats passing up and down the river while guarding their own defences. All French attempts to move them from this strong position failed. Life was good, and they were in no hurry to move.
The new King, Phillip III, knew that force was not the answer to the problem. Weighing up the costs of all French losses from these Norse raiders. He decided to tempt them out.
The Norsemen were delighted. Here was the land they had sailed so far from home to find.
The Red square below donates the land Yarl Lassy, and his kinfolk were to settle and start a new life. In turn, Lassy gave Manors and farms to all who had sailed with him.
The area was fertile farmland, and the Lassy Kinsmen prospered. They followed Rollo's lead and married local French girls. Adapting the men into a more civilised French way of life. The name Lassy gave way to a mix of French/Latin to become Lassi and then de Lacy
William, the Duke of Normandy, had been promised the Throne of England by the childless Edward the Confessor, his first cousin once removed. However, on Edward's death, the Throne of England was taken by the powerful English Earl Harold Godwinson. William was determined to go to war to gain what he thought was due to him.
Walter de Lacy and his son Roger led their men to the centre of the action, the heart of the hand-to-hand fighting. Ilbert de Lacy led his cavalry in charge after charge on the flanks of the battle.
Follow the outcome of the battle on this amusing animated video version of the Bayeux Tapestry.
"Ilbert de Lacy you will stay here and build defences to defend the south from rebelling Northumbrians and Viking attacks
With mountains and thick forest to the West the Humber estuary to the East leaving Castleford the only way to the South. Use Fire arrows to defend against Viking longships. The best position to make a stand.
The Normans were able to conquer England faster by the use of Motte and Bailey castles. More Motte and Bailey castles, were built on the Welsh border than in the whole of the rest of England. A motte and bailey castle is made up of a huge mound of earth (called a motte). Often a wooden tower was built on this, giving a good view of the surrounding countryside. A courtyard (called a bailey) is surrounded by a ditch, a bank and a wooden palisade (strong fence). In this, the horses, supplies and weapons were safe.
Walter de Lacy was dispatched to his overlord, Baron FitzOsborne, on the English-Welsh Border. King William had plans for Walter de Lacy who was dispatched to his overlord, Baron FitzOsborne, on the English-Welsh Border. King William had plans for him, too. Walter de Lacy's story continues on the de Lacy Marcher Lords page
