Empire

232. Colonising Ireland: The First Plantations (Ep 2)

Feb 25, 2025

Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, a leading expert on early modern Ireland and English imperialism, joins the discussion to unravel pivotal moments in Ireland's colonial past. She explores the fallout from Hugh O’Neill's rebellion and the rise of discriminatory narratives in Tudor England. The conversation also contrasts the Ulster plantations with those in the Caribbean, highlighting the socio-economic changes and identity conflicts that arose. Derry's colonial legacy is examined, including the lasting tensions between Protestant and Catholic communities.

40:59

Episode guests

Jane Ohlmeyer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Tudor policies resulted in the dramatic confiscation of Irish lands, permanently altering population dynamics and class structures in Ireland.

Resistance against English colonization in Ireland involved cultural resilience, with the Irish maintaining their faith and language as expressions of identity.

Deep dives

Announcement of Live Show Tour

The hosts announce an upcoming UK tour of their sold-out live show, focusing on the stories behind popular drinks like Indian pale ale and gin and tonic. They share intriguing historical anecdotes, including a surprising incident involving an explosion. Additionally, the discussion touches on the British tea trade and its historical implications, particularly how the British began selling opium to China to finance their tea purchases. This blend of entertainment and education is designed to captivate audiences, regardless of their drinking habits.

Intro

2min

Tudor Military Strategies and Architectural Control in Ireland

3min

Colonial Struggles and Transformations in Tudor Ireland

15min

The Emergence of Plantations in Ulster

4min

Colonial Ambitions: Protestant Settlements in Ireland

6min

Derry's Colonial Legacy

10min

In 1607, after launching a failed rebellion in Ulster against the English, Hugh O’Neill and other Irish nobles are forced to flee Ireland, and their lands are confiscated. In response to the revolt, an insidious narrative about Irish people emerges in Tudor England, describing them as ‘caterpillars’ and ‘barbarians’ who needed ‘civilising’.

In the wake of the development of the Ulster Plantation, a group of London merchants establish The Honourable Irish Society to colonise County Derry, renaming it County Londonderry in an ode to their origins. How did the city’s 17th century history shape its role in The Troubles? And what’s the difference between plantations in Ireland and plantations in the Caribbean?

Listen as William and Anita are joined once again by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, author of Making Empire: Ireland, Imperialism and the Early Modern World, to discuss English imperialism in Ireland in the early 1600s.

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Empire UK Live Tour: The Booze & Brews live show is going on a UK tour! William and Anita will be discussing the extraordinary history of ordinary drinks such as tea, Indian Pale Ale and gin & tonic, highlighting how interconnected our drinks cabinets are with the British Empire. Empire Club members will receive a link to the members' pre-sale on Wednesday 26th of February, and general sale goes live on Thursday 27th of February.

If any members who signed up through Apple Podcasts don't receive a link to the ticket presale, please email us at empire@goalhanger.com!

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Assistant Producer: Becki Hills

Producer: Anouska Lewis

Senior Producer: Callum Hill

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