Biblio Ireland

Author: CURL, James Stevens.

Chichester: Phillimore,  2000. 448 pages. Illustrated. Hardback.

QUEEN ELIZABETH sent the first of many English forces to counteract a rebellion of the Ulster earls in 1593, but it was not until nine years later, after a ferocious and expensive war, that the Irish submitted to King James, who acceded to the Throne in 1603. The subsequent ‘Flight of the Earls’ (1607) left huge tracts of land in the north of Ireland forfeit to the Crown: these the State determined to settle with Scots and English colonists whose loyalty would ensure, in theory, no further rebellions, and give protection against any ‘back-door’ invasion of England by hostile European powers. Lacking funds for the purpose, the King coerced the City of London, through 55 Livery Companies, to finance part of the venture (known as the Plantation of Ulster). Thus the City and its Livery Companies became reluctant landlords and developers of a specially created area, the county of Londonderry, and, to manage the business, a body was established which became known as The Honourable The Irish Society: it exists to this day.

In this major new study, Professor Curl traces the historical events leading to the involvement of the City of London in Ireland over nearly four centuries, and describes the problems of the native Irish and the colonists with care, sensitivity, and insight. Drawing upon the vast archives of The Irish Society and the Companies, with other sources, he pulls together many threads, of sundry shades, to provide a balanced, detailed and fascinating book, profusely illustrated with historical and modern images. Vivid with anecdote, and placing the story firmly within a coherent historical context, Curl’s new book is a valuable aid to understanding events that have had momentous consequences - not only for Ireland but also for the political development of Great Britain. The far-reaching effects still very much in evidence today.

Chapters:

I. Historical Outline of Events before the Involvement of the City of London in Ulster

II. The Beginnings of the Plantation of Ulster and the First Involvement of the City of London in the Venture

III. The New County of Londonderry and the Beginnings of the Plantation of the City of London

IV. Surveys, Progress and Setbacks, Settlers, Planning and Buildings, and Commissions

V. Bodley’s Third Survey, the Pynnar and Phillips Surveys, the Quarrel with the Crown, and Building Endeavours to 1641

VI. The Great Rebellion, the Londonderry Plantation from the Restoration of the Monarchy, and Events to the End of the Seventeenth Century

VII. The Londonderry Plantation from the Beginning of the Eighteenth Century to the Early Years of the Reign of King George III

VIII. The Londonderry Plantation in the Second Half of the Eighteenth Century to the Act of Union

IX. Consolidation and Development in the First Part of the Nineteenth Century

X. Events relating to The Irish Society until the Aftermath of the Royal Commission of 1853-4

XI. Ireland, The Irish Society, and the Political Climate from the 1860s

XII. County Londonderry, Ireland, The Irish Society, and Events from the 1880s to 1984

XIII. Conclusion: The Irish Society from the 1950s to the End of the Century

ISBN: 186077136X

Related titles: Plantation of Ulster
Categories: Modern History, Derry/Londonderry.