Galloglass 1250-1600: Gaelic Mercenary Warrior: No. 143

Galloglass, from the Gaelic gallóglaigh meaning ‘foreign warriors’ from the Hebrides, were fearsome axe-wielding mercenaries from the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland who fought in the retinues of Irish magnates from the mid-13th century until the early 17th century. This work looks at the clan and family structures of the galloglass, their performance in battle, their weapons and armour, and way of life in time of peace and war. The unique fighting skills and tactics of the galloglass are also studied, as well as how they were organized on the battlefield and their command structures and systems of rank.