Empire

231. Colonising Ireland: Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, & The Tudor Conquest (Ep 1)

Feb 20, 2025

This discussion features Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, an expert in Irish history and author of "Making Empire." She delves into the impact of the Tudor Conquest on Gaelic society, detailing how Henry VIII's declaration of Irish subjects and Elizabeth I's plantations fundamentally reshaped Ireland. The conversation touches on the socio-political dynamics of colonization, the role of Irish women in cultural resistance, and significant figures like Hugh O'Neill who challenged English rule, illustrating the complex legacy of Tudor imperialism.

40:19

Episode guests

Jane Ohlmeyer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Tudor Conquest marked a significant shift in Irish identity, as English colonial practices began to reshape Gaelic society and culture.

Hugh O'Neill's leadership during the Nine Years' War exemplified the complexities of Irish resistance against English imperialism and its repercussions.

Deep dives

Personal Connections to Irish History

The speakers share their deep personal connections to Irish history, rooted in childhood stories and family heritage. One speaker recalls how tales from a half-Irish nanny about the potato famine shaped an early awareness of Irish struggles. The legacy of pub bombings and the broader 'Irish question' reflect a tumultuous backdrop informing their understanding of the historical conflicts involving the IRA. Both speakers express a shared frustration over their lack of comprehensive education about Irish history despite having studied various other global histories.

Intro

2min

Colonial Echoes: Ireland's Historical Ties

21min

The Role of Irish Women in Tudor Conquest and Cultural Resistance

5min

Tudor Control and the Military Conquest of Ireland

2min

The Struggle for Land and Power in Ireland

5min

The Legacy of Hugh O'Neill and the Spanish Expedition's Misfortune

4min

Ireland is the only country in Western Europe that has experienced being colonised in the modern era. It was used by England as a laboratory for imperialism, and was the site of bloody colonial wars for centuries, yet many people in the neighbouring United Kingdom have little understanding of Ireland’s history.

The new series on Ireland & Empire begins with the Tudor Conquest. By the 1500s, there were small pockets of English imperialism in Ireland via descendants of the Anglo-Norman invasions of the 1190s, but they were concentrated along the southeastern coast. However, when Henry VIII launched the Protestant Reformation in England, establishing control over Ireland suddenly became a top priority. In 1541, he declared all Irish people as his subjects. He built upon previous laws banning Irish language and customs, and created a militarised society. And by Elizabeth I’s reign, the Tudors introduced plantations in Ireland which granted land to English and Scottish settlers.

Listen as Anita and William are joined by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer at Jaipur Literature Festival to discuss how Tudor colonialism paved the way for the overhaul of Gaelic society in Ireland.

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Assistant Producer: Becki Hills

Producer: Anouska Lewis

Senior Producer: Callum Hill

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