The Cambridge Public Library was the location on June 14 for a presentation by William Henry, an author, archaeologist and preeminent historian of Galway Ireland.
Henry gave an illustrated lecture consisting of an overview of Galway based on some of his books. The lecture covered the history of Galway through the stone bronze and iron ages in the early Christian period; the founding of Galway city by the Normans; warfare with the native Irish and the rise of the trial of tribal families in the city; and the visit by Christopher Columbus to Galway in 1477.
Henry also spoke about the famous story of the mayor of Galway hanging his own son, and he explored Galway's tragic connections to the Spanish Armada, Williams siege of Galway in 1651-52. and the later Willimite siege that followed the battle of Aughrim was also discussed.
The lecture touched on the devastating effects of the great famine, and the great rebellion of 1916. Henry examined the strong ties between Galway and Massachusetts and he concluded with a very brief look at some photos of Galway today.
William Henry is a graduate of University College Galway and he has received an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland. He is the author of some 17 books about Ireland and writes a weekly column titled talking history in the Galway Independent newspaper.
The lecture was hosted as part of a series by the Cambridge Public Library, and he was introduced by Muna Kangsen, head