Urgent Update: Remembering the Bloody Siege of Wexford, 1649

UPDATE: Today marks the haunting anniversary of the Siege of Wexford, a grim episode in Irish history that began on October 11, 1649. This siege, led by Oliver Cromwell, is remembered as one of the most brutal massacres in Ireland, following the infamous slaughter at Drogheda just weeks earlier.

As Cromwell’s New Model Army surrounded Wexford, fear gripped the town’s population, who had witnessed the horrors inflicted upon Drogheda on September 11. Historians estimate that Ireland’s population fell by 20% between 1641 and 1652, marking this period as one of the most violent in European history.

The siege itself began when Cromwell’s forces descended upon Wexford after a devastating campaign down Ireland’s east coast. Residents were terrified, anticipating a repeat of the atrocities they had witnessed just weeks prior, leading to a palpable sense of dread within the town’s walls.

A new podcast episode from the Irish History Podcast, hosted by historian Fin Dwyer, delves into the events surrounding the siege, offering listeners a detailed account of those harrowing days. Dwyer has made history accessible to millions, with over three million downloads on his platform.

As the world reflects on these dark chapters, it is crucial to understand their impact on Irish identity and memory. The Siege of Wexford serves as a stark reminder of the brutal conflicts that shaped the nation. Engaging with this history helps to foster a deeper connection to Ireland’s past.

For those wanting to explore this history further, the podcast offers an engaging narrative that brings to life the experiences of those who lived through these turbulent times. Tune in to understand the implications of Cromwell’s campaign and how it continues to resonate within Irish culture today.

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