The Plantations Flashcards
Why the English monarchy established the plantations in Ireland?
- Henry Vlll and his daughter Queen wanted to spread the Protestant religion across Ireland in the aftermath of the reformation.
- they also wanted to ‘civilise’ Ireland by bringing in English laws and making the English monarchs the rulers of Ireland.
- Finally English monarchs were also very concerned about their enemies using Ireland as a ‘backdoor’ into England. They wanted to control Ireland to prevent it falling into hands of catholic enemies. This was especially important for Elizabeth and her successor James I (son of Mary Queen of Scots) in the aftermath of the aftermath of the Spanish Armada.
The Munster plantation and how it failed?
After the failure of her sister Mary’s plantations in the countries of Leix and Offaly, Elizabeth I decided to established a plantation in the South West of Ireland, Munster. It was established in 1586. There are 4 main reason why it failed. Firstly, the undertakers failed to encourage the right sort of tenants to Munster because it was so far away from England. Secondly, the undertakers also failed to provide weapons and fortified bawn for their tenants, this meant the settlers had no protection from the native Irish or O’Neil’s army from ulster. Thirdly, the undertakers broke the rules and allowed the Irish to rent land. Finally, in taking the land from the native Irish the English had answered all Irish people, including O’Neil. When the next plantation of Ireland took place in Ulster, they had learnt many lessons from the failure of the Munster plantation and they would ensure the likes of O’Neil would not to able to drive the english out of Ireland again.
The Ulster plantation and why it succeeded?
In the aftermath of the failed Munster plantation, the English fought a long war in Ireland against the O’Neil’s, they were finally defeated and swore oaths and loyalty to the English crown, though they fled were scared for their lives in 1607, this event because known as the flight of earls. When Elizabeth died she was succeeded by James I who was the son of Mary Queen of Scots. James was raised as a Protestant by the Scottish lords after Mary fled to England. Many families lords after mary Mary fled to England. Many families such as the MacDonnels who build dunluce castle who had been settling in Ulster for yours. James took the opportunity to claim all the lands the Irish chiefs had left. This land would be planted the ‘official plantation’.
Short and long term impact of the Ulster plantation?
Positive- settlers brought modern family farming methods and the tradition of the Puritan work ethic to Ulster.
A number of settlers had a calling from god and they’re were not motivated by the Protestant faith. Consequently they build strong houses and living conditions were improved.
The move of efficient methods of the new farmers and greater availability of money allowed smaller cottages.
Negative- the settlers state the land from the people living in Ulster.
The plantation in Ulster changed Ulster’s way of life so it was different from the rest of the counts. They brought in modern farming methods built strong houses and improved living conditions.
What are the long term consequences of the Ulster plantation for us today?
The plantations of Ireland have had a lasting and long term impact upon the history of Ireland and especially upon the province of Ulster.
They are also significant as it still impacts on us today on our identity, culture, religion and diversity within Northern Ireland society.
Consequences of plantation
Identity- British and Irish
Culture- rugby and Gaelic
Religion- catholic and Protestant
Migration- settlement of people in Ireland
Towns that were set up
Armagh Cavan Fermanagh Donegal Coleraine
The 1641 rebellion
The people who had lost their land in 1641 or who now paid high rents for land came to the surface Charles problem in Scotland gave the Irish an opportunity to overthrow the plantation and win back land. A rebellion was planned on 23rd October in Ulster. The plan was to take Dublin by surprise but English government officials captured some leaders the night before, however it still took place many plantation towns were captured, settlers were killed and many were robbed and left homeless. The success of Gaelic Irish in Ulster impressed the old English, but as Catholics they feared the growing strength of Protestants and puritans . In 1642 they came together and formed an association called the confederation of Kilkenny. It declared itself loyal to the king and against parliament with the Moto “Ireland united for god, king and country” this became a struggle on behave of the king and those who supported Ireland.
What is a servitor?
Servitors were former soldiers who fought for the crown of government officials who were granted land following the flight of earls as a reward for serving the crown servitors were allowed to take Irish tenants. However, they had to promise to build a fortified bawn and keep weapons in case of attack. In total, servitors were given one tenth of land available under the official plantation.
What are the London companies?
The various guilds of London were instructed by James to help finance the plantation of Ulster. The London companies were split into twelve groups and in total were given one tenth of land. They built the fortified towns of Londonderry and Coleraine towns such as draperstown were created.
Who were the English and Scottish settlers?
Land was granted to undertakers whose job it was to get new settlers to come to Ulster. They encouraged people from Scotland and English to come to Ulster, undertakes were not allowed to take Irish tenants and they had to provide weapons and a fortified bawn for protection. They paid the crown rent and swear an oath of supremacy. Undertakers were given nearly half of the land.
