Of Saxons, a Viking and Normans: Colmán, Gerald and the Monastery of Mayo

Abstract

This chapter discusses the historical accounts of Viking raids in Ireland and Britain during the last years of the eighth century or the early years of the ninth. It compares the accounts of Bede and Alcuin of York and the historical relevance of the role of the Mayo monastery, Bishop Colmán, and Gerald of Mayo. The chapter provides background information on the lives of both Colmán and Gerald.