Nenagh Normans feature in new adventure novel
Theobald Walter, the man behind the construction of Nenagh Castle, is a minor character in a new adventure novel about the Normans in Ireland.
'Lord of the Sea Castle' by Tyrone man Ruadh Butler tells the story of one of the most important yet little known battles in Ireland’s history. The second offering in Butler's 'Invader Series' of books, the backdrop to the story is the Battle of Baginbun, when a Norman advance force of just over 100 takes on an army 20 times their number made up of Waterford Vikings and their Gaelic allies on the south Wexford coast.
Nothing less than the fate of the entire country hangs in the balance in this story, whose characters are closely linked to Nenagh.
“Simply put, there might never have been a Nenagh, certainly not as we now know it, if not for Raymond the Fat's exploits at the Battle of Baginbun,” the author explains.
“The entire Norman conquest hinged on his survival. He would subsequently be the man who found a way into Waterford (after Strongbow failed on three occasions), as well as the warrior who stormed Dublin (while Strongbow negotiated). If not for Raymond, I've little doubt the Normans would've been forced out of Ireland.”
A direct link between Nenagh and the book is the inclusion of Theobald Walter as a character. “Theobald was the Norman baron who built Nenagh Castle and was made Chief Butler of Ireland,” Butler explains. “His descendants - including me - adopted that court position as their surname.
“I couldn't help but include Theobald in the book when the opportunity arose! He appears in a minor role, albeit during an incredibly important scene between Strongbow and King Henry II.”
'Lord of the Sea Castle' follows on from the events of Ruadh's first book, 'Swordland'. It precedes the arrival of Strongbow to Ireland in the summer of 1170.
“Strongbow is probably the most famous name to emerge from this era and, while he is a central character in the book, my main protagonist is one of his knights, Raymond de Carew – better known in his lifetime as Raymond le Gros, or 'the Fat'.”
Events in the novel begin at the Welsh frontier, before moving to the scheming Plantagenet court in England, and then to unconquered Ireland, “meeting, along the way, kings, archbishops, lepers, barons, Viking princes, Gaelic chieftains, and women determined to do anything to make their mark on history.”
The book has already garnered praise from some of the best authors working in historical fiction.
“This lyrical novel is rich in history and evokes a wonderful sense of time and place. Great characters, strident battles and a story to be savoured,” said acclaimed author of 'The Master of War series', David Gilman.
'Lord of the Sea Castle' will be published by Accent Press on June 1st and available in all formats at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones, Eason’s and WH Smith.