CHAPTER XVIII

ON THE CONSTITUTION OF IRELAND

Ancient State of Ireland -- Its Kingdoms and Chieftainships -- Law of Tanistry and Gavel-kind -- Rude State of Society -- Invasion of Henry II. -- Acquisitions of English Barons -- Forms of English Constitution established -- Exclusion of Native Irish from them -- Degeneracy of English Settlers -- Parliament of Ireland -- Disorderly State of the Island -- The Irish regain part of their Territories -- English Law confined to the Pale -- Poyning's Law -- Royal Authority revives under Henry VIII. -- Resistance of Irish to Act of Supremacy -- Protestant Church established by Elizabeth -- Effects of this Measure -- Rebellions of her Reign -- Opposition in Parliament -- Arbitrary Proceedings of Sir Henry Sidney -- James I. -- Laws against Catholics enforced -- English Law established throughout Ireland -- Settlements of English in Munster, Ulster, and other Parts -- Injustice attending them -- Constitution of Irish Parliament -- Charles I. promises Graces to the Irish -- Does not confirm them -- Administration of Strafford -- Rebellion of 1641 -- Subjugation of Irish by Cromwell -- Restoration of Charles II. -- Act of Settlement -- Hopes of Catholics under Charles and James -- War of 1689, and final Reduction of Ireland -- Penal Laws against Catholics -- Dependence of Irish on English Parliament -- Growth of a Patriotic Party in 1753 Page 299

CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND

FROM HENRY VII. TO GEORGE II.