Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke (died 1176)

Known as 'Strongbow', Richard de Clare succeeded to his father's earldom in 1148 and was one of the few lords of the Welsh marches to support King Stephen. He lost the title of Earl of Pembroke on the accession of Henry II . In the hope of reviving his fortunes he assisted the Irish king Dermot MacMurrough's struggle against his rivals after being offered Dermot's daughter Aoife in marriage and the succession to the kingdom of Leinster. In August 1170 Richard landed at Waterford with 200 knights and 1000 other men. He captured Dublin later that year and in May 1171 received Leinster on Dermot's death, but in October 1171 Richard submitted to Henry II, accepting him as his overlord. This marked the beginning of the English involvement with Ireland.