Charter of Waterford
This is an example of a charter that Waterford city received during Anglo-Norman and medieval times from the kings and queens of England, beginning with Prince John in 1199. Cork received its charter from Prince John in 1185, which added to the prestige of the settlement.
Courtesy of Waterford Museum of TreasuresCharter of Waterford
Courtesy of Waterford Museum of Treasures
Courtesy of Waterford Museum of Treasures
Charter of Waterford
This is an example of a charter that Waterford city received during Anglo-Norman and medieval times from the kings and queens of England, beginning with Prince John in 1199. Cork received its charter from Prince John in 1185, which added to the prestige of the settlement.
Courtesy of Waterford Museum of TreasuresIreland gradually came under English influence after the Normans arrived. Prince John visited Ireland in 1185 and granted a charter to Cork. The charter made Cork an official town and gave it power to rule itself.
Cork has kept that power to the present day.
The Normans built stone walls around the city to protect it from attack in the 1200s. The walls needed to be repaired often because the ground was marshy.
The two islands that made up the city were joined by a bridge near the junction of Castle Street and North Main Street. The North Gate Bridge and the South Gate Bridge were the entrances to the city. Stone Forts guarded the entrances to both gates.
You will explore below a map showing Cork in Norman times. You will be able to see the streets, the marshes, and the bridges and the river channels.