The Siege of Wexford in 1649

Oliver Cromwell landed in Dublin in August 1649 starting a conquest remembered for its brutality. Within a few short weeks his forces, the New Model Army, had perpetrated one of the most notorious massacres in Irish history when they sacked Drogheda.

After this Cromwell marched south reaching Wexford in early October. The story of the following siege is fascinating…

The backdrop to this podcast is gripping – the 17th century was unquestionably the most violent period in Ireland’s long and tumultous history. The 1640s and early 50s were truly horrific as the island was ravaged by seemingly endless warfare. Although hard to believe, historians estimate the population fell by 20% between 1641 and 1652!