ABSTRACT
The invoivement in Ireland of Richard Fitz Gilbert, popularly known as Strongbow, will here be considered against the background of his career and circumstances in England, Wales and Normandy. During the civil disturbances of Stephen's reign Strongbow had remained loyal to King Stephen and that even after the Angevin party had taken possession of the city of Bristol, which was menacingly close to Strongbow's lordship of Strigoil. Strongbow's decision to go to Ireland in August 1170 was not his first positive response to Diarmait Mac Murchada's proposal of military service and reward in Ireland. The effect to which Strongbow's reconciliation with Henry II was effective may also be demonstrated by the fate of his estates in England, Wales, Normandy and Ireland after his death. It is difficult to determine in detail Henry's intentions towards and treatment of Strongbow's lordship of Leinster in the period 1176—89 in the absence of early Angevin administrative documents from Ireland.
