1534-37 Silken Thomas Flashcards
Give an outline of the Silken Thomas rebellion
The rebellion was set in Ireland and followed the arrest and imprisonment of the father of Thomas O’Neill (also known as Silken Thomas), the Earl of Kildare. The Kildare family had acted as the crown’s deputy of Ireland, but had begun to be replaced by English officials
What was the main cause of Silken Thomas?
Political - Silken wanted to drive the English out and become ruler in Ireland
Why was the Earl of Kildare imprisoned?
Henry doubted that Kildare would enforce his position as Head of the church, and summoned Kildare to England where he was imprisoned
Why were rebellions in Ireland such an issue?
The distance from London and the difficulty of sending troops encouraged unrest
What were the main aims of rebellion in Ireland?
To remove English influence and end recent government political, economic, and religious policies
What were the main tactics of Irish rebellions?
The rebels usually avoided military confrontation and conducted a campaign that was similar to modern guerrilla warfare. They attacked officials in order to try to disrupt government. If defeated they often disappeared into remote areas which the English forces did not know and would not enter
What were the outcomes of Silken Thomas?
Execution of Silken Thomas and his 5 uncles
Replacement of indirect rule with an attempt at “bureaucratic” Cromwellian methods, based on closer English control, especially appointment of Englishmen to major Irish posts – Lord Deputies, Treasurers
The Kildare earldom was suspended until 1569 and Kildare lands were temporarily confiscated. The weakening of the family had negative consequences as they had kept other great Irish families down
Where did Silken Thomas begin?
Dublin
Which lord replaced the Earl of Kildare and sparked the rebellion?
Lord Skeffington
Why was religion considered a factor in causing Silken Thomas?
Silken Thomas proclaimed a Catholic crusade. This must have been inspired by fear of the reformation
Demanded Irish take an oath of loyalty to the Pope and himself, not Henry, hence requiring a transfer of allegiance from the Tudors to the Kildare’s
How did Henry deal with Silken Thomas?
The royal response was to send an army of 2,300 – the largest despatched to Ireland in 150 years. As it moved through Ireland, most other local nobles submitted rather than fight
What was the Pardon of Maynooth?
Thomas, holed up in Maynooth Castle, was promised his life would be spared and decided to offer his surrender – expecting mercy. Instead he was sent to London and executed along with 5 of his uncles and 70 other ringleaders
Why did Silken Thomas fail?
Major English response in terms of troops sent and money expended
Thomas loses support of clergy by ordering execution of Archbishop of Dublin, who had tried to mediate
Thomas allowed himself to be besieged at Maynooth, meaning the relatively small English army could concentrate all its forces on one spot
