Medieval Galway - A Brief History
The origin of the name ‘Galway’ remains unclear. It is thought to refer the city’s location at the mouth of the river Gaillimh (now known as the River Corrib). Turlough O'Connor, King of Connacht built a castle there in 1124. The location was at the most convenient crossing point at the river an ideal place on which to establish a stronghold.
The Anglo-Normans are credited with establishing Galway as a city. Richard de Burgo, one of the most active of the Anglo-Norman lords, first arrived in 1230 and by 1270, the native Irish were overthrown, and the walls of Galway were under construction.The de Burgos became firmly established as the town’s powerful ruling family, and were joined by other merchant families of Anglo-Norman origin. Situated on the Atlantic coast, Galway quickly became an important centre of trade. By the end of the 13th century, it had begun to flourish.
1348 saw the arrival of the notorious Black Death to Ireland. It is reasonable to suggest that Galway, as a port town, must have been affected to some extent. Despite the upheaval caused by the petulance and the impact of the Bruce invasions, Galway must have remained prosperous enough to allow the construction of St. Nicholas’ Church in c.1320.
The Anglo-Normans are credited with establishing Galway as a city. Richard de Burgo, one of the most active of the Anglo-Norman lords, first arrived in 1230 and by 1270, the native Irish were overthrown, and the walls of Galway were under construction.The de Burgos became firmly established as the town’s powerful ruling family, and were joined by other merchant families of Anglo-Norman origin. Situated on the Atlantic coast, Galway quickly became an important centre of trade. By the end of the 13th century, it had begun to flourish.
1348 saw the arrival of the notorious Black Death to Ireland. It is reasonable to suggest that Galway, as a port town, must have been affected to some extent. Despite the upheaval caused by the petulance and the impact of the Bruce invasions, Galway must have remained prosperous enough to allow the construction of St. Nicholas’ Church in c.1320.
By the fifteenth century, fourteen merchant families, later named ‘The Tribes of Galway’, had firmly established their influence on all aspects of trade and politics in the city. They played a pivotal role in establishing the city's independence. Despite numerous fires during the fifteenth century, the city continued to prosper. However, the destruction caused by the fires cleared the way for the construction of many fine stone buildings, such as Lynch’s Castle and Blake’s Castle.
The sixteenth century saw the arrival of the Protestant Reformation to Ireland and heralded a new era of change and upheaval. It is not certain when the Reformation gained a foothold in Galway. By Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, the Reformation had been officially accepted by the city. However, the majority of the city’s citizens, including its founding families, continued to practice the Catholic faith.
The sixteenth century saw the arrival of the Protestant Reformation to Ireland and heralded a new era of change and upheaval. It is not certain when the Reformation gained a foothold in Galway. By Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, the Reformation had been officially accepted by the city. However, the majority of the city’s citizens, including its founding families, continued to practice the Catholic faith.
The Pictorial Map of Galway was drawn up during the 17th century and illustrates the city in great detail. Clink on the link below to learn more: