Problems with religion Elizabeth i

How did Elizabeth’s relations with Ireland differ from those of her predecessors?

Background information regarding Tudor Ireland

  • feared as possible base for invasion

  • feuds were commonplace

  • a place where ambitious courtiers saw the opportunity for a glory and a fast buck

  • henry viii declared himself king in 1541

  • Henry replaced Pope as head of the church in Ireland

  • always sought quick-fixes rather than long-term strategy

  • taxed raised to make Ireland self-financing

  • control the uncivilized Irish, often imposing martial law

Ireland during the Tudor Period

The Butlers

  • Earl of Ormond, Thomas Butler, governed Leinster and was related to Elizabeth. Always loyal and comfortable at the English court.

Tyrone’s rebellion in Ulster 1594-1603

causes/aims

  • Ireland was neglected by Elizabeth

  • clan warfare and many saw their clans under threat

  • Earl of Tyrone came to power in Ulster and began to train an army with help from Spain

What happened?

  • rose in rebellion in 1595 with the Spanish armada

  • August 1598 - Tyrone beat the English at Battle of Yellow Ford

  • Looked like Tyrone would establish an independent and Catholic Ireland

  • 1599 Essex as Lord Lieutenant sent to restore order. Instead of fighting he signs a truce

consequences

  • As soon as the Truce expired Tyrone moved south to link up with the Spanish army

  • 3000 Spanish soldiers landed in 1601

  • Army fought back under Lord Mountjoy, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Tyrone retreated back to Ulster

results of the rebellion

  • cost the exchequer nearly £2 million

  • rule in Ireland has been returned to the Irish - partly because Mountjoy was reaching an agreement with Tyrone. With James i newly on the throne and he wanted to get back to London to secure power

  • much of Ireland was left destroyed and impoverished

  • a deep seated hatred had taken hold between the Irish people and their rulers