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Like his father, Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare ( commonly known as Strongbow ) was a supporter of Stephen I of England-the last Norman king of England.
He opposition to the claims of the French House of Anjou alienated him from the affections of Henry II of England.
As a result, on his father's death in 1148, it seems likely that the king refused to recognise Richard's claims to the earldom of Pembroke.
His claim to the lesser lordship of Striguil does not seem to have been challenged.
Being effectively disinherited by the king ( for the first but not the last time in his life ) and with mounting debts, Richard welcomed the opportunity to restore his fortunes that presented itself in 1168.
In that year, he was chosen to lead a Norman expedition to Ireland in support of Diarmait Mac Murchada, the deposed King of Leinster.
The Lord of Striguil crossed over in person in 1170, took both Waterford and Dublin, and was married to Diarmuid's daughter, Aoife MacMurrough, claiming the Kingship of Leinster after Diarmuid's death in 1171.
Henry II, wary of his power, stripped Strongbow of his new holdings the same year and invaded Ireland himself in 1171, putting his people in power.
Strongbow returned to favour and power in Ireland, in 1173 when he aided the King in his campaign against his rebelling sons.
He died in 1176 after years of bitter struggle with Irish magnates.

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