Troublesome Ireland: Tyrone's Rebellion, 1594-1603

Why did Tyrone’s rebellion break out?

Connect:
1) Summarise how Tudor monarchs have interacted with Ireland so far
within our course?
2) Why might Ireland be a concern to Elizabeth?

Challenge-: What effect might the Break from Rome have on England’s
relationship with Ireland?

Key words:
The Pale – the area surrounding Dublin controlled by the English
Tanistry – The Irish system that governed inheritance of titles.
Titles did not necessarily pass down to the eldest son was competed
for by family (clan) members.
Tudor relations with Ireland
- English control in the Pale around Dublin by
through Lord Deputy of Ireland (representative of
the Crown) but localities were governed by Irish
nobility who usually had English connections.
These were known as the Anglo-Irish nobility.
- Earl of Kildare who was the Lord Deputy backed
Simnel rebellion with soldiers in 1487
- Sir Thomas Poynings sent to Dublin in 1494 after
Earl of Kildare had supported Perkin Warbeck.
- Poynings introduced Poynings Law in 1495. This
stated that Irish parliament could not be
summoned or approve without the approval of the
English King, Ireland was under direct control of
the English monarch and the Lord Deputy was to
swear loyalty to the English King.
Troublesome Ireland: Tyrone's Rebellion, 1594-1603
The focus of the topic is on the Nine Years’ War in Ireland, which is
also known as Tyrone's Rebellion - during which Hugh O’Neill, Earl of
Tyrone, orchestrated a rebellion against the English crown.
Students need to have knowledge of:
- The reason for the war, including impact of English (Protestant)
attempts to extend control of Ireland to beyond the Pale.
- They should understand the level of support for the rebellion
and the consequent danger it presented to the English crown.
- An understanding of the reasons why the rebellion took so long
to put down, including poor handling by the English and the skill
of the Irish, is required.
- Coverage of internal Irish politics, except insofar as they relate
to the rebellion, is not required.
The four main provinces of
Ireland were: Munster,
Connaught, Leinster and
Ulster.

Ulster – made up much of what is

mostly modern-day Northern
Ireland.

In the late 16th century, Ulster

remained the most Gaelic part of
Ireland, where English control
was extremely limited.

The area had traditionally been

competed over by two clans: the
O’Neills and the O’Donnells.
 - Under the later Tudor and Stuart
monarchs, Ireland was slowly
settled and colonised by the
English (and Scottish). This was
one of the main causes of
Tryone's Rebellion between
1594-1603

- This is a map of English

Plantations (settlements) in
Ireland under Mary Tudor,
Eizabeth, and James I

The Pale was

The Irishry,
directly ruled
refers to the
and
lands 'beyond
administered
the Pale'.
by the English
Monarchy
through the
Lord Deputy.

- Tudor monarchs did not rule Ireland fully, but claimed a right to do so. Ireland had
been partly conquered over the preceding 200 years and the English Monarchy
ruled with 'martial law' (by force).
- In the Tudor period, England only fully controlled Dublin and 'The Pale' through a - Cultural differences meant many English living in Ireland argued for the
Lord Deputy.
- The situation beyond the Pale was complex. Most of Ireland was ruled by Anglo-
Anglicisation of Irish laws and customs – seeing the Irish as lawless,
Irish members of the nobility, such as the Earl of Kildare (who was also Lord primitive and backwards.
Deputy) or the O'Neills, who as Irish chieftains had their own private armies and - In the Pale and under some Anglo-Irish Lords (see map) - like the Butler
acted as quasi-Kings in the areas under their control. family (Earldom of Ormond), there was English law. But in other areas
- The Irish practice of Tanistry (Irish custom of inheritance) meant that Irish of Ireland, there were traditional Irish laws and customs.
nobles did not adopt English titles such as 'earl', but were organised into 'clans' - However, even these Anglo-Irish Nobles, (the so-called Old English), had
with chieftains referred to by their last name – e.g. 'the O'Neill'.
-
intermarried with the Irish and adopted many Irish customs – and crucially,
Chieftains were not strictly hereditary positions and there were bitter feuds to
become chief of a clan.
they were Catholic, just like the Irish Chieftains.
Long-term causes of Rebellion. (Pre-Elizabeth) How might these factors led to rebellion?
1. Religious differences

The problem of ruling Ireland became more serious as a result of the Henrician
Reformation (Break from Rome). Edward and Elizabeth (Henry's successors) were both
Protestant, and were keen to maintain and entrench the Church of England's autonomy
from Rome. However, like parts the North of England, Ireland remained staunchly Roman
Catholic.

2. Irish Autonomy

In 1541 the Irish chieftains agreed to recognise Henry's right to be King of Ireland; and
the English government encouraged the Anglo-Irish nobility to surrender their lands to
the crown to be given titles in return for becoming formal 'tenants-in-chief' under English
law. However, even though Henry VIII followed a policy of Conciliation (compromising
with the Anglo-Irish nobility), they still remained semi-independent.

3. English desire for greater domination of the Irish

In response to Irish autonomy, Mary Tudor appointed an English Lord Deputy, the Earl of
Sussex, instead of a more traditional Anglo-Irish Lord Deputy, like the Earl of Kildare.
Sussex encouraged English settlers to move into Irish territory 'beyond the Pale' - the idea
being to Anglicise and civilise the Irish and impose English laws and customs on this land
– this new system was known as 'Plantation'.
Elizabeth's rule of Ireland, 1559-94
Catholic Threat
- Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569)
- Elizabeth worried about regional
autonomy, especially where there
is religious opposition like Ireland –
almost fully Roman Catholic.
- Pursues a more hard-line policy
in Ireland to replace Irish
traditions and laws with
English ones.
- Modelled councils
in Connaught and Munster on the
Council of the North and Wales
(1569-1571).
- Traditional Irish regions sub-
divided into English-style
counties (using Sheriffs to try and
maintain law and order, etc.)
- These new direct interventions
beyond the pale triggered
rebellions in Munster in 1569 and
again in 1579-83.
- The second rebellion was brutally
suppressed, and the lands of
executed rebels were given to
English settlers.
- By 1592 there were 775 English
settlers in Munster.
- Sir Walter Raleigh was amongst
those who benefitted from this
revolt, acquiring extensive Irish
estates in Munster, encouraging
English settlers to be his tenants.
- English intervention in Ireland was
also leading to considerable tension
with the Anglo-Irish nobility.
- From 1585 the English government
used a technique known as
composition to try and increase their
hold over Ireland.
- In 1585 in Connaught, Irish
landowners were convinced by
English commissioners to commute
their traditional payments – thereby
increasing English control there.
- Plantations in Ireland stoked
religious tensions, as settlers were
often radical Protestants who saw
their God-given duty as converting
the Irish Catholics as well as civilising
them.
- This encouraged the Irish to link
their religious identity with their
identity as native Irish.
 Anglo-Irish relations under the Tudors
Read pp.154-57 and create a timeline detailing the political, religious and international tensions during
the Tudor period.
Key things to include:

Henry VIII Mary I Elizabeth and 1570s 1580s 1590s 1593-5

Break Lord Northern Rising Composition McMahon O’Donnell

from Rome. Deputy system Munster Walter Raleigh Sir Henry Bagenhal Tyrone
Policy Earl of Sussex Ulster Hugh O’Neill, O’Donnell Phillip II
of conciliati Plantation (Earl of Tyrone) and Maguire Sir William Russell
on. Tenants Ulster
in Chief.

Stretch: Give each a rating from 1-10 in terms of levels of Anglo-Irish tension.
(1 = low tension; 10 = high tension)
 Elizabeth and 1570s 1580s 1590s 1593
1530 Mary
Political

Mary Elizabeth and 1570s

Religious and 1580s 1590s 1593
1530
International
English Incursions into Ulster

1. What began in the 1570s in Ulster?

2. Why did the incursion fail?

3. Why was this incursion so damaging to the relationship between England and Ireland?
 1. Why did tensions grow in Ulster in the 1580s?
English Incursions into Ulster

2. Why was Hugh O'Neill (the Earl of Tyrone) not given the MacMahon lands?

3. Why did Hugh O'Neill accept an English title?

4. Why did O'Neill feel under threat from English rule in the 1590s?

5. What did Tyrone do that further created tension (especially with Sir Henry Bagenal)?

6. How were other Ulster chieftains coming under threat?

7. Why did Hugh Maguire help lead Tyrone towards plotting against the English?
English Mismanagement of the Anglo-Irish chieftains

1. What did Tyrone help the English to do in October 1593, why?

2. How were Tyrone's views changed by the incident?

3. How were appointments to Ireland part of Tyrone's concerns?

Tyrone's decision to rebel

1. What did Tyrone demand in August 1594?

2. What grievances did Tyrone have against English rule in Ireland?

3. What was the main reason Tyrone decided to rebel in 1594?

Q. To what extent were long-term factors the reason why Tryone rebelled in 1594?

Long term factors Short term factors

 Keywords Who am I
Define the keywords below: Note down who these people were below and how they contributed to the
causes of the rebellion:

• Tanistry
• O'Neil Clan
• Tenants in chief • O'Donnel Clan
• The Pale • Sir Thomas Smith
• Lord Deputy • Hugh O'Neil
• Commutation • Hugh Roe MacMahon
• Composition • Henry Bagenal
• Hugh Maguire
• Plantation
• Sir William Russell
• Chieftain
• Earl of Tyrone

How can you relate any of these Which of these people were most influential in the causes of the
keywords to the causes of Tyrone's rebellion? Why?
rebellion?
Who was least important? Why?
 Why did a revolt in Ulster break out?
Main task: Choose two of the following Think About:
and explain why this made the Tyrone
-Why would this make them rebel?
revolt in Ulster more likely. You need to
-Why would rebellion seem better than
include what happened and analysis.
negotiation with English monarchs?
- What support would they get?
• English plantations in Ulster - What were the impacts of this factor on
• Tyrone’s grievances Irish governance
• Grievances of other Ulster Lords
• Mistakes of the English government
• Religion
Prep Qs

1) What was the traditional English area that

surrounded Dublin called?
2) What policy had Henry VIII pursued towards
Ireland during the 1540s?
3) Name the four main provinces of Ireland during
the Tudor period.
4) What position was held by the Earl of Sussex under
Mary and Elizabeth?
5) What was Composition?
6) What title did Hugh O’Neill accept from the English
in 1585?
7) Who launched an attack on English officials in
Sligo?
8) What had Elizabeth refused to give Tyrone that
ultimately led to him rebelling in 1595?
Henry VIII break from
Rome – Henry followed
policy of conciliation. In
1541, Irish chieftains
recognised Henry’s right
to be king of Ireland.
Anglo-Irish nobility were
encouraged to surrender
lands to the crown and
then re-granted this and
made tenants-in-chief
with English titles. Anglo-
Irish nobility remained
semi-independent.
1530
Henry VIII break from Rome
– Ireland remained Catholic.
Possibility of Ireland being
base for foreign invasion.
(Note: Margaret of Burgundy
had to tried to invade through
Ireland during the Simnel
rebellion)
1530
Mary I appointed an Elizabeth I installed a more hard-line approach to From 1585, 1590 execution of Hugh Roe Maguire launches attack on
English Lord Deputy, Anglo-Irish relations e.g. tried to set up councils to composition was McMahon. Lands were given to English. Tyrone reluctantly helps
the Earl of Sussex. govern regions of Connaught (1569) and Munster introduced – a charge English settler Sir Henry Bagenhal, Bagenal capture him. Tyrone
He fortified the Pale (1571) following the Northern RIsing, Led to paid by landlords to not to Tyrone. Tyrone trying to use frustrated to not be given control of
and then encouraged unsuccessful rebellions in Munster – the second the English for the English allegiance and marriage to Ulster. Preference given to English
English settlers to between 1579-83 was brutally suppressed. stationing of troops in Bagenhal’s daughter to secure settlers.
move into territory Ireland. But position as chieftain of the O’Neill 1594- O’Donnell and Maguire
just outside the Pale temporary clan. O’Donnell and Maguire add to besiege Enlgish-held castle – 56
From 1570s, two courtiers, the Earl of Essex and tensions against English. O’Donnell
with the aim of conciliation by English soldiers killed. Tyrone
Sir Thomas Smith tried to establish a settlement imprisoned by English in 1590 but
‘civilising’ the Irish offering Hugh demands control of Ulster – not
in Eastern Ulster. The Plantation failed but with escaped in 1591; Maguire angry
towards English O’Neill the title of granted by Elizabeth.
lots of violence. 200 members of the O’Neill about intrusions into Fermanagh
norms. This was Earl of Tyrone in
family were massacred and 500 members of the
known as plantation. 1585.
O’Donnells were killed in a surprise raid.
Elizabeth and 1570s 1580s 1590s 1593
Mary
Political
Elizabethan policy towards Raleigh’s plans for colonisation of O’Donnell in touch with Phillip
Ireland influenced by Catholic the New World led to inroads in of Spain to ask for support. Did
threat during and following the Ireland. Raleigh took advantage of not arrive as Phillip focused on
Northern Rising. New the confiscation of the Desmond trouble in Netherlands.
Protestant settlers saw it as their lands to acquire extensive Irish
duty to convert the native Irish. estates for himself. He then tried to
This caused Irish Catholics to encourage English settlers to
O’Donnell makes link to
link their protection of their become his tenants although he was Catholic Spain to ask for
religious beliefs with protection not very successful. support.
of ‘Irish’ values.
Mary Elizabeth and 1570s
Religious and 1580s 1590s 1593
International
1) How did long-term factors contribute towards the Tyrone
rebellion?

• Sussex's policy of plantations under Mary

• Elizabeth's provincial councils in 1571 and dividing Ireland
up into English run counties run using English methods. Led
to rebellion in Munster.
• English settlers in Ireland, 775 in Munster by 1592
• Settlers were given land once belonging to the Anglo Irish
• 1574 massacre of O'Neils & O'Donnells after attempted
planation in Ulster

2) How did short-term factors contribute towards the Tyrone

rebellion?

• Execution of Hugh MacMahon, his lands in Ulster given to

Henry Bagenal.
• Tyrone felt he was overlooked for positions of power in
Ireland as they were given to loyal Protestants
• Sieging of Eniskillen castle
• William Russell, Lord Deputy did not arrest Tyrone.
• English government refused to make Tyrine Chieftan of Ulster
• Tyrone resented Protestantism in Ireland
 Troublesome Ireland: Tyrone's Rebellion, 1594-1603
Hugh O'Neill -
How extensive was support for rebellion in the years, 1594-1603?
How significant were the grievances of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, in bringing about rebellion in Ireland
from 1594?
Musketman – members of the army carrying a firearm (or musket).
What factors could you refer to in this question? Try and think of an accompanying point for each about how it
led to rebellion in Ireland. Pikeman – Members of the army carrying a pike (a long wooden pole
with a metal tip)
Spanish Armada – A fleet of warships sent to England by Philip II in
1588, after England and Spain finally went to war in 1585.

Marshal – The man responsible for the organisation and equipment

of the English army.

James FitzThomas, Earl of Desmond – An important Anglo-Irish

nobleman persuaded by Tyrone to join his rebellion.

The Earl of Ormond – A important Protestant Anglo-Irish Lord –

cousin of Queen Elizabeth I. Remains loyal to the English.

Artillery – Heavy weaponry such as cannons and seige engines, used t

break down foritifcations.