The History of Bunratty Castle

In The Beginning

• 970: The site was initially occupied by a Viking trading camp.

The Motte and Bailey

• 1270: First defensive fortress is built, known as a motte and bailey castle.

• Motte: French for raised earth mound

• Bailey: Enclosed courtyard

• Fortress on top of mound– Able to see far-away enemies– Additional obstacle for invading troops

Motte and Bailey Examples

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Donjon-great tower or innermost keep of a castle/fortress

Palisade-strong wooden stakes fixed into the ground to be used as a defense

The Growth and Destruction• Land would later be granted to Thomas de Claire. The

population of the town of Bunratty has grown to around 1,000 people.

• 1318: Thomas' son, Richard de Claire was killed in the Battle of Dysert O'Dea. This was a fight against the O'Brian family. The castle and town are both completely destroyed.

• Battle of Dysert O'Dea was part of the Irish Bruce wars.– Ireland had no king in the 14th century.– Only form of power was in individual dynasties.

• (A dynasty is a family line of leaders)– Edward Bruce, of Scotland, came to Ireland to cut off

potential support to England.• Scotland was fighting for its independence from England

at the time.

Reconstruction• 1332 Castle is restored by King of

England, but once again destroyed by the O'Brian family.

• 1353 After 21 years of laying in ruins, Sir Thomas Rokeby rebuilds the castle.

Making Bunratty Today

• 19th Century: Castle is restored and the interior is filled with many pieces of art, tapestries, and artifacts.

• Bunratty Castle holds 31 types of artifacts spread across its fifteen main rooms.

• These artifacts range from books to furniture to weapons.

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Mary Queen of Scots

-16th Century

Flemish Oak Cupboard

-16th Century

Flemish-Pertaining to Flanders, or people of the southwest regions of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands

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Act of Parliament Clock

•Made in 1797

•These clocks appeared 1797 when a British Act placed a tax on clocks.

•They are also known as Tavern clocks.