Deadly! Irish History - The Normans

John Farrelly was born and raised in a village just outside Newry, Co. Down. After dropping out of art college because all he wanted to do was write stories and draw pictures, he became a freelance caricature artist. He always did a full day's work - he just spread it over the whole week. Finally, after a three-day siege, where no one was injured and all hostages were released, The O'Brien Press let him write stories and draw pictures.

‘Farrelly’s writing and drawings never miss a beat in this well-informed and witty account of the Celts … with comic strips, guess-the-answer sessions, roll-the-dice-to-see-which character-you-are games, how to make your own games board or roundhouse ... Great fun!’

• Introduction 6It’s the Fort That Counts – Before Castles 10Naughty Normans – Strongbow and the Norman Invasion 13We Moat Be Here For a While – Building a Castle 22An Irishman’s (Tower) House is His Castle – Tower Houses 36You’re Not Going Out in That! – Medieval Fashion 42Odd Jobs – Work and Trade 49This One Will Slay You – War and Fighting 58Medieval and Medigood – Crime and Punishment 74 You Want Me To Eat What?!? – Food and Drink 82Bleeding Good Humour – Medieval Medicine 90Winding Down – Fun and Leisure 100 Isobel, Hugh and Fionntán – Medieval Kids 109Séamus the Sinister Swordsman 120Visiting a Castle Ruin 132Normans’ Land – Legacy of the Normans 134Famous Irish Castles Map 138Timeline 139Answers 142