As a town, Carrickfergus shows a strong Norman influence, most obviously
perpetuated in its famous Castle. In 1169 the Earl of Pembroke, Richard de
Clare, was dispatched by Henry II to aid the King of Leinster and so began the
Norman settlement of Ireland. In 1180, John de Courcy, having invaded Ulster,
established his Castle on a volcanic dyke (the rock of Fergus) and built the
now famous keep and inner ward.
The construction of the first defences for Carrickfergus, as distinct from
the Castle, took place in the middle of the 13th century and consisted of a
ditch and bank. The town was frequently subjected to attack, for instance 1274
(the Irish), 1315 (the Scots), 1384 (the Irish) 1386, 1402 and 1513 (the
Scots) 1689 (Duke of Schomberg), 1760 (the French). The defences were, in
consequence, constantly being modified and updated, indeed by 1615, the town
was completely surrounded by a substantial stone wall designed to be defended
by pike-men or musket-men.
Over the years, the town has seen many historic incidents. In 1649, during
the English Civil war the town was held by Parliamentary forces, taken by
Royalist forces before being besieged for 3 months and finally taken again by
Parliamentary forces. In 1778, one of the first battles of the American War of
Independence took place off Carrickfergus Castle between the American raider,
John Paul Jones, in his ship "The Ranger" and "HMS Drake".
Jones forced the Drake to strike her colours. During the Second World War, the
town saw the creation and training of the Ranger Battalions of the American
Army. The Rangers were modelled on the British Commandos and later went into
action in North Africa and, on D Day, the Pont de Hoc in Normandy.
More recently and as we move towards the millennium, Carrickfergus has
become involved in a unique partnership of local and central government with
close co-operation from the private, commercial and industrial sectors. This
partnership has enabled regeneration and economic development to take place at
a pace seldom seen elsewhere. Quality, however, has not been compromised and
everywhere development has been carefully planned to compliment the rich and
colourful tapestry of the town's history.
Situated in an attractive area of East Antrim, Carrickfergus has something
for every one from the avid historian to those who simply wish to take life
easy.
For more on Carrickfergus, click
here.
Carrickfergus I
Derry
