Siege of Wexford (1169)

Siege of Wexford (1169)
Part of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland
DateMay 1169
Location
Result Anglo-Norman victory
Territorial
changes
Wexford and part of southeast Leinster comes under Anglo-Norman control
Belligerents

Angevin Empire

Kingdom of Leinster
Commanders and leaders
Unknown Robert FitzStephen
Diarmait Mac Murchada
Strength
~2,000

900–1,000 Including:

500 Irish allies
Casualties and losses
3 killed, several ships destroyed 18 killed

The siege of Wexford took place in early May 1169 and was the first major clash of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. The town was besieged by a combined force of Normans under Robert Fitz-Stephen and soldiers loyal to Diarmait mac Murchadha. After being ousted as King of Leinster, Diarmait had recruited the Normans to help him regain control of Leinster and the semi-independent Norse-Gaelic seaport of Wexford. Although the attackers did not breach the town's walls, Wexford surrendered after almost two days and came under Norman control.