Insights into the daily lives of history's fighting men and women, past and present, detailing their motivation, training, tactics, weaponry and experiences
Galloglass, from the Gaelic term gallóglaigh signifying 'foreign warriors' from the Hebrides, were Scottish mercenaries who fought in the retinues of Ireland's magnates from the 13th to early 17th centuries. Without question, galloglass were among the most visually impressive warriors of all time: sketched by Albrecht Dürer and mentioned by Shakespeare, they were described with awe by Elizabethan Englishmen serving in Ireland. Drawing on both English and little-known Gaelic texts, this is the first dedicated military history of the galloglass to be published. As well as examining their weapons and armour, their unique fighting skills and their life on campaign, this book explores their reputation among the Irish population, and the debate as to whether they were liberators - part of a 'Celtic alliance' to drive out the English - or brutal and self-serving soldiers of fortune.
Introduction 4
Chronology 4
Recruitment 6
'Home' to Ireland
Irish galloglass
Training and Selection 13
The hereditary tradition
England's 'foul over-sight'
Appearance 17
Clothing
Armour
Weapons
Conditions of Service 24
Contracts and bonds of vassalage
Freelance galloglass
Ranks and unit structure
The consabal
Pay and rations
Diet
Billets and accommodation
Discipline in the ranks
Accommodation for the officers
On Campaign 33
Irish armies
Raiding
The dynamics of the raid
Making camp
The Galloglass Experience of Battle 36
Before the battle
Surprise and night attacks
Standing guard
Vanguard and attack
To hand blows
The defensive screen
Rearguard actions
Ambushes
Victory over the English: Meath 1423
Galloglass against galloglass: Knockdoe 1504
Loyalty to the end: Monasternenagh 1579
Ethos and Motivation 44
Odium humanitatis
Famine and homicide
Vassals and empire builders
The lord's galloglass
Into government service
Constables of the Pale
Retirement and reward
'Like anatomies of death'
The galloglass and the keys to heaven
Places to Visit 59
Glossary 60
Select Bibliography 62
Index 64
Anonymous
Posted April 24, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted May 5, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Insights into the daily lives of history's fighting men and women, past and present, detailing their motivation, training, tactics, weaponry and experiences
Galloglass, from the Gaelic term gallóglaigh signifying 'foreign warriors' from the Hebrides, were Scottish mercenaries who fought in the retinues of Ireland's magnates from the 13th to early 17th centuries. Without question, galloglass were among the most visually impressive warriors of all time: sketched by Albrecht Dürer ...