OF KERNS AND GALLOWGLASSES: Irish Armies of the 16th Century 1487-1587

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The first of a series of two books for the Retinue to Regiment series covering Irish armies of the Tudor era, this covers military affairs in Ireland, 1487 to 1587. The second book in the series will cover the period of rapid Irish military modernization coincident with the Armada and the Nine Years War. Ireland at the outset of the Tudor era was a highly militarized society, with more than sixty Gaelic lordships maintaining independent armed forces. By 1540's, the centralizing Tudor state had ended the self rule enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish Pale, and was embarked on an increasingly severe program of reconquest.

Also included are comprehensive army lists and unprecedented detail on Irish arms and armor of the period, tracing developments over time. New period sources and iconography are made use of. Besides the 'rising out' of the Pale and the traditional Irish troop types (horseman, galloglass and kern), a thorough examination is made of Scots Highland mercenary activity in Ireland, including weapons and organization. Also featured are the naval forces of the West Highland Scots and maritime clans of Ireland, including strength and changes in ship types over time.