Ireland Flashcards
Where were the only effective areas of law enforcement?
The lowlands of Munster and Leinster centred around Dublin and the Pale where the Anglo-Irish mainly lived
What was endemic?
Feuding between rival clans such as the Geraldines and butlers
What were Tudor monarchs not and what did English kings depend on?
Recognised as sovereign rulers by Gaelic lords
The Geraldines to govern on their behalf
Why was relying on the Geraldines a high-risk, low-cost strategy?
The eighth Earl of Kildare acknowledged Simnel and Warbeck as kings of England
Thomas died fighting Henry VII at Stoke
What did the family use and what was maintained?
Its political status to extend its power at the expense of rival clans
A semblance of order
What were disturbances not and why?
In the Kildares’ best interest
They could not govern without a royal commission, and this could be revoked as in 1492, 1522, and 1528
Why did attempts to rule through the Butlers prove equally unsatisfactory?
They were unable to command much respect from the other lordships
What happened in practice and in return?
English laws were only occasionally enforced and Gaelic customs and language were encouraged
The Crown’s landed interests were protected and the cost of governing Ireland was met by the feudal dues paid to Kildare
What did Henry VII and Henry VIII do when trouble flared up?
Sent troops to Ireland: Edgecome went there in 1487, Poynings in 1494, and Surrey in 1520
What was never seriously considered and what demonstrates this?
Conquest of Ireland
Poynings took only 400 men and Surrey had 500 troops and the king’s Yeomen of the guard
What did Henry VIII do in 1519?
Established a council in Dublin
Sent Surrey to see ‘how Ireland may be reduced and restored to good order and obedience’
What did the Earl of Surrey report and what was the consequence?
That the Irish will not be brought to no good order … without a great puissance of men, and great cost of money, and long continuance of time
Henry returned to a policy of relying on the Irish magnates
Until 1534 what was the case?
The main colonial grievance had been royal neglect: no Tudor visited, administration expected to be self-funded, and rulers underestimated the difficulties in maintaining peace
What was the main colonial grievance after 1534 and why?
Royal interference
English-born officials held all the principal offices which caused resentment among the Old English families (patronage) and the Gaelic lords
What religious changes were introduced in 1536?
Henry VIII called a parliament, attainted Kildare, imposed Henry’s Reformation Acts, and ordered the collection of tax and sold off half of all monastic lands
What happened to the garrison in Dublin and what were the consequences?
Reduced from 700 to 340 troops
Cost was borne by the locals and army captains were granted lands on the borders of the Pale
What heralded further changes and what did he do?
The appointment of Anthony St Leger as deputy in 1537
Increased the garrison to 2000 men and tried to get the Gaelic chiefs to recognise Henry VII as the King of Ireland
What happened in 1543?
Garrison reduced to 500