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Lecture on Life in Medieval Castles in Offaly; an outstanding success
A report from Shaun Wrafter
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Caimin O’Brien, a noted expert on Medieval Castles and Churches of Offaly, gave a presentation to a large audience of history enthusiasts in the lecture hall of Offaly History Society, on Monday 17th inst at Bury Quay, Tullamore.
The lecture titled “ Living The Dream, Life in the Offaly medieval castle” — elucidated life as it was lived in the medieval castles and tower houses by the Gaelic aristocracy. These noblemen and their families required residential accommodation, which reflected their social status in the Gaelic Society of the period. About 200 castles and tower houses were built in County Offaly, between the 12th and the 15th Century.
Life in the large medieval castle and smaller tower house, was not all about wars and sieges, and while not built for warfare, they had to be well fortified and protected from the unwanted intruders of the time. The more common tower house was rectangular in shape, four to five storey high, and serviced by a spiral or straight staircase. These multi-storey stone buildings, with one room on top of another leading to the living / entertaining room on top, being the only room with adequate light. Generally the roof was thatched. Once guests went up to the top of the house there was no need to go down until they would be leaving next day. All of their domestic needs were catered for.
Mercenary soldiers known as Gallowglass, who were Scotch Gaels, were given lands by the landlord, as compensation for military services and on which they constructed houses for their families. The majority of the castles and tower houses built during that period are now in ruins or have disappeared altogether, though some have survived well.
A community of workers and servants developed around the castles and serviced the needs of the manor house, in return for liability to taxes on their dwellings. Many of these castles were too small for entertaining large parties, and were serviced by a large one storey dwelling, and where the food was prepared and served to all who came for the public feast. Food consisted of animal meats together with oaten breads buttermilk and griddle cake. All of the aforementioned was duly washed down with the best of Eau de vie and local beers.
In a detailed presentation, the lecturer described, with illustrations, the dress code of the privileged classes dressed in their saffron coloured cloths. Women during this period were more beautiful, and married at a younger age, often in their early teens. However they did all the hard work around the dwelling. Consequently many women aged early in life and died young.
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Did you know…..? 100 quirky facts about County Offaly
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