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Culture, People and Places

Anglo-Normans

Anglo-Normans and the tower houses

The kingdoms and monasteries dominated Strangford until John de Courcy and his 22 Norman knights along with their followers arrived to conquer Ulster in 1177.

The Anglo-Normans were great builders, throwing up quick ‘campaign’ castles (mottes - there are seven around the Lough), usually commanding the best views over the Lough. De Courcy and his wife Affreca also founded stone abbeys, such as at Inch and Greyabbey, which have survived well.

Look around the Lough – particularly either side of the Narrows, and you can’t miss the profusion of square towers, known as tower-houses. These unusual fortified houses were built during the 15th and 16th centuries by local lords, occupying strategic locations around the Lough shore. Audley’s Castle commands an unrivalled view over the safe havens of Audleys Roads and Castle Ward Bay and Kilclief guards the entrance to the Lough.

Picture courtesy of Bernie Brown.