When the lords of the Pale (as they continued to be styled in subsequent depositions) gathered at various hilltops in east Meath in October 1641, their dilemma was palpable. Should they continue to support an English state from which they were increasingly alienated in religion and in outlook, or should they make common cause with … Read more
Like other losers across Ireland, and now doubly tainted as ‘Irish’ and ‘papist’, the lords of the Pale faced their punishment under the Cromwellian administration. Widespread changes in land ownership, involving land forfeitures and yet another settlement plantation, were pushed in the interest of promoting a new political and social order. To implement these measures, … Read more
The degree to which important figures in history were influenced in their exercise of power by their immediate subordinates is a subject of endless fascination. The possibility that there might exist a power behind the power, and that that power might be possessed of a human face, is something that has the capacity both to … Read more
For 40 years (1558–98) Queen Elizabeth I was served by William Cecil, later Lord Burghley, first as principal secretary, later as lord high treasurer, and throughout as an active member of her privy council. Yet there has been a hesitancy to look beyond Elizabeth. Here is a monarch who enjoyed one of the longest reigns … Read more
Just before 8pm on Friday 1 December 1972 a car bomb exploded at Eden Quay, beside Liberty Hall, injuring dozens of people and causing extensive damage. Fifteen minutes later there was another explosion at Sackville Place, killing George Bradshaw (30) and Thomas Duffy (23). Bradshaw was a bus driver, while Duffy was a conductor. Both men had … Read more