Ireland
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 5.1.3
Tyrone's Rebellion
The Earl of Tyrone, Hugh O'Neill, led a rebellion against the Crown. Lasting for nine years, this rebellion seriously threatened Elizabeth's authority in Ireland.
Causes of rebellion
- Relations between Ireland and England had been strained from when Edward VI started his policy of plantation (where the Crown took land in Ireland and colonised it with English settlers).
- So Ireland was England's first colony.
- Hostility grew in response to this colonisation.
- Ireland was also a Catholic country. Tensions developed following the English's attempts to impose Protestantism.
- The Earl of Tyrone and other Irish lords wanted to rid Ireland of the English settlers.
Course of rebellion
- The rebellion began in 1593.
- In 1598, the Earl of Tyrone and his forces defeated English troops at the Battle of Yellow Ford.
- The Earl of Essex was sent in 1599 to deal with the rebellion. But he failed to control the rebels in Ireland. He made a truce and returned to England without the queen’s consent.
- Elizabeth I then sent Lord Mountjoy, who eventually defeated the rebellion in 1603.
Consequence of rebellion
- The Earl of Essex's failure to stop Tyrone's rebellion led to his loss of influence at court. He proceeded to launch his own rebellion against the Crown in 1601.
- Elizabeth I's successor, James I would deal with the leaders of the rebellion.
Impact of Tyrone's Rebellion
Tyrone's Rebellion exhausted England's economy. Following the defeat of the rebels, Protestants migrated to the Plantation of Ulster.
Significance of Tyrone’s Rebellion
- Ireland had been part of England from 1541. The discontent in Ireland threatened Elizabeth as rebels began to seek alliances with the Spanish.
- Morgan (2004): “Whereas Elizabeth began her reign with the allegiance and goodwill of the majority of the inhabitants of Ireland, by the time of her death she was left with a sullen and forced obedience”.
Cost of the war
- Dealing with Tyrone’s Rebellion was more costly than the Spanish Armada. It cost around £2 million.
The plantation of Ulster
- In 1607, Earls in Ulster fled.
- In 1608, the lands of the Earls were confiscated. This became the heart of colonisation in Ireland.
Test yourself on Ireland
How long did Tyrone's Rebellion last for?
Course of Tyrone's Rebellion
When did Ireland become part of England?
How much did dealing with Tyrone's Rebellion cost the English government?