In 1608–9, through a mixture of threats and promises from James I, the City of London become involved in the most planned and orderly of the various plantation schemes in Ireland. Fifty-five of its livery companies eventually became financial backers of the plantation, and in return their governing body, the Irish Society, received a royal … Read more
The River Foyle was one of Ireland’s richest salmon fisheries. Alleged poaching had always been a problem, and in the 1940s the paper-title holders decided to seek a declaratory order to establish their proprietary rights beyond dispute. The action had been three years in preparation, it ran for 48 days in the High Court (from … Read more
In 1974 the recently established Institute of Continuing Education at Magee College—arising out of the ashes of the New University of Ulster débâcle—earnestly sought a role for itself. Cross-community activity became highly valued and, despite its destabilising possibilities, local history was identified as a suitable arena for these endeavours. Consequently Derry City Council established a … Read more
A chara, —Joost Augusteijn (Letters, HI 17.4, July/Aug. 2009) states that the Sinn Féin manifesto in the 1918 general election ‘did not call for a republic’. Not so. The relevant passage in the manifesto reads: ‘Sinn Féin gives Ireland the opportunity of vindicating her honour and pursuing with renewed confidence the path of national salvation … Read more
Sir, —Re your editorial, ‘Up the Republic/Commonwealth!’ (HI 17.3, May/June 2009), Ulster for some signifies nine, Three more than others can muster. Take one from t’other and all’s fine, As six adds up to UKster. —Yours etc., JOHN MORGAN Dublin 24