Ireland

• Henry VIII's problem

  He found it difficult to govern Ireland with Kildare; without him he found it impossible
• Kildare's dismissal


  1. Led in 1534 to a major rebellion

  2. Rebellion led by his son Thomas Fitzgerald, Earl of Ossory

  3. Rebellion only suppressed with difficulty and at considerable expense
• The attempt to refashion Irish government in 1534 by bringing it more directly under English control failed utterly
• Ireland therefore became an increasing drain on the crown's resources
• Government eventually regained control

  1. Tried to pacify Ireland

  2. Established Ireland as a separate kingdom in 1541

  3. Imposed English law

  4. Created counties out of the Gaelic lordships
• The relationship between the two countries (England and Ireland)


  Became complex due to the religious differences which began to emerge between the two