The History of Ireland - The Story of Elizabethan Ireland

Cromwell promoted Henry VIII to a king of islands rather than its previously Lord of Ireland as based on a grant from the Pope. The policy of surrender and reground was to help implement that policy in Irish soil. Gaelic chiefs would surrender their lands to Henry and he would then reground them with an English title and rights Baron Elle. But underbrihan law land was not owned by the individual but by the sept or clan if you like. This would create some serious problems about recognition of the new rights, potential for get-out clauses. Settle back and prepare to hear about lots of revolts in Ireland over the next half century or so. Hugh O'