The Norman Invasion - 13th Century
The
Anglo Norman contact with Ireland began in 1169 with the arrival of three
shiploads of mercenaries at Bannow Bay County Wexford. Further contingents
arrived in 1170 and assisted Diarmuid McMurchada to regain his kingship
of Leinster. On Diarmuid's death Richard Fitzgilbert de Clare (Strongbow)
leader of the mercenaries was acknowledged as the new king. The growth of
the mercenary's power threatened an independent Norman Kingdom in Ireland
and this induced Henry II to cross from England in 1172 with an army of
4000 men to ensure his recognition as overlord of Ireland.
On his departure he appointed Hugh de Lacy as his deputy in Ireland. He granted him the land of Meath about a million acres consisting of the county of Meath, West Meath, and part of Louth and Cavan. De Lacy gradually extended his sway and each advance was secured by "mote and bailey" as at Drogheda where the topography was very suitable.
The
mote at Millmount was established on the South side of the River Boyne.
The walled town was very well planed enclosing 113 acres making it one of
the largest walled towns in Ireland twice the size of the Viking City of
Dublin.
Since the Synod of Kells in 1152 the Boyne formed the boundary between
the dioceses of Armagh and Meath. Two parishes had to be formed if the
town was to be built on both sides of the river. It was largely because
of this division that two separate towns emerged with independent corporations
and privileges, only forming one town in 1412.