BattlefieldsBattle of Baginbun
Medieval

Battle of Baginbun

1170
Wexford, Ireland
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wexford, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Waterford Norse-Irish coalition
VS
Victor
Normans (Raymond le Gros)
Outcome
Norman victory; Waterford Hiberno-Norse forces routed
The Battle

History & Significance

The first major land battle of the Norman invasion. Raymond le Gros with only c.90 knights and 300 archers defeated a force of thousands from Waterford. The Normans captured 70 prisoners and threw them from the headland. The rhyme "At the creek of Baginbun, Ireland was lost and won" became proverbial. This victory opened the way for Strongbow's main landing.

Casualties & Losses

70 Waterford prisoners executed; Norman losses minimal

Forces Involved

Raymond le Gros: c.90 knights + c.300 archers (c.400 total). Waterford: c.1,500–2,000 men.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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