Category: 1536 – 1700

Overview The Common law system remained largely as it was at the start of the 14th century.  By the middle of the 16th century, it had been brought more in line with that in England. There were two judges on each of the benches and three exchequer barons. Additional puisne judges were appointed from time […]

Context The late 1530s is said to mark the end of the medieval and commencement of the modern phase of Irish (and European) history.  In 1534, Fitzgerald’s of the Kildare who had monopolised the role of Lord Deputy for over a half a century rebelled were defeated, attainted and tried for treason. It marked the […]

Context Elizabeth I came to the throne in 1558 succeeding her half-sister Mary.  She was confirmed by Act of Parliament as head of the established church. An Act of Uniformity required the use of the new Book of Common Prayer by all clergy. Non-attendance at official church was an offence punishable by fine.  In practice […]

Post-Nine War At start of the 17th century following the 9 years’ war, Ulster remained the part of Ireland where local autonomy was greatest. Although the government did not press the Earl’s too closely after their submission, the government was intent on  introducing  regular civil administration into the area supported by substantial military presence. Sheriffs, […]

Organisation The administration of Ireland was based on that in England. The revenue and military enforced tax collection and order. There were juries, petty and grand constables, vestries, overseers of the poor, manorial courts, informal committees of villages. There were officials of vestries, wards, manors, baronies and boroughs.  There was thought to be approximately 3,500 working […]

Late Medieval Period At the start of the 16th Century, the Dublin government formally claimed jurisdiction over the whole island.  In some cases, governors were able to obtain recognition by Gaelic chiefs of the King’s rights in Ireland.  In practice however, the English government in Ireland was limited to the main areas under Anglo-English influence; […]

Overview The period from 1640 to 1653 represents one of the most turbulent periods in Irish history. The so-called wars of the three kingdoms were a complex set of interrelated events involving the crown, Parliament and various interests in Ireland. They involved several wars, including the first, second and third English Civil War and other […]

Counties/ Shires I The Anglo-Norman lordship sought to replicate shire government by royal sheriffs through Ireland.  The organization of shires spread slowly.  Dublin was the first shire established at the end of the 12th century.  Waterford and Cork had commenced to be organized at about the same time. By the early 13th century, Waterford with […]

Gavelkind and tanistry The Statutes of Kilkenny proscribed Irish names, law and Gaelic language, fosterage of sons and intermarriage of the Irish race.  They were renewed in 1468 and supplemented in 1536 by measures against Irish dress and customs within the Pale. However, the Gaelic Lordships had retained effective sovereignty in their area in that […]

  Tudor Parliaments Poynings’ Law curtailed parliament’s judicial role.  Parliament met rarely and began to resemble its English counterpart.  During the Tudor monarchy (1485-1603) fifteen parliaments only were called in Ireland, each of relatively short duration.  Only three were summoned by Elizabeth in Ireland in her 45-year reign. The famous parliament of 1540 to 1541 which […]