The causes of Tudor Rebellions from 1485-1601

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Shane O'Neill 1559

Causes:
He resented losing his Earldom of Tyrone in Ulster to his brother. He was willing his brother to get it but this only stirred up resentment against him. When he begged forgiveness from Elizabeth I, she agreed to recognise him as Captain of Tyrone and the ‘O’Neill’ head of clan, but he was soon plotting with Charles IX and Mary Queen of Scots, and claiming to be the true defender of the faith.

Despite Elizabeth’s appointments when Shane returned to Ireland he continued to disregard the law, raid lands of rival clansmen, kidnapped hostages and dabbled in high treason. In 1566 Elizabeth finally abandoned her attempts to reconcile him and turned to a military solution. Elizabeth sent 700 troops to establish a garrison in Ulster but the defeat of Shane was dependant on the support of the other clans. Shane O’Neill was finally defeated in 1567.

Dangerous: See Kildare; also from reaction of Elizabeth it clearly concerned her particular due to the link with MQS.

Following the suppression of the rebellion, junior members of the clan were made to surrender their land in Ulster and have them regranted according to English law, the Scots in Atrim were expelled, three garrisons set up and two English colonies were established.

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