1.1.2.1 The Tithe Wars

• Tithes were a form of tax raised to support the Church which had been present in Ireland since the 12th century. After the establishment of a Protestant Church, Catholics had to pay twice the amount of tax
• The 1823 Tithe Composition (Ireland) Act extended the payment of tithes to pastureland and tillage land, making it a monetary charge which had to be paid twice a year by a majority of Irish farmers
• The new Act was greatly resented and seen as an example of British oppression, particularly as the tithe had been extended to pasture farmers as well. This encouraged a desire to resist the payment