Thesaurus

The city of Waterford in County Waterford in southwest Ireland is located on the River Suir four miles above its junction with the River Barrow at the head of Waterford Harbor. Founded by Vikings, Norman invaders rebuilt its fortifications. It became a cathedral city in 1096. The 2nd Earl of Pembroke won it for the English in 1170. It received a charter in 1205, then the English King John gave it another in the early 13th century and set the borders of the entire county. In medieval times it was an important center and virtually independent. In the 17th century it resisted the government of Ireland, the establishment of the Anglican Church in the county, and the forces of Oliver Cromwell, all unsuccessfully. It was named the county borough in 1898. In modern times its main industries have been brewing, salmon and sea fisheries, food processing, and the manufacture of its famous glass crystal. The 2003 estimated population was 47,800.