Ireland under the Tudors, with a Succinct Account of the Earlier History. Vol. 2 (of 3)

"Ireland under the Tudors, with a Succinct Account of the Earlier History, Vol. II" by Richard Bagwell is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the political and social landscape of Ireland during the Tudor period, particularly focusing on the era surrounding Queen Elizabeth I's accession to the throne. It explores the complexities of governance, the turbulent relationships between the English crown and Irish chieftains, and the various conflicts that shaped this transformative time in Irish history. The opening of this volume introduces the significant political changes and tensions following Elizabeth's ascent, particularly among the Protestant officials who welcomed her rule after the Catholic reign of Mary I. It details the intricate succession disputes within the O'Neill clan, particularly the rivalry between Shane O'Neill and the claims of Matthew Kelly. Bagwell presents a narrative filled with political maneuvering, highlighting the attempts of various Irish and English leaders to assert control and navigate the fraught dynamics of loyalty, territorial claims, and the Catholic-Protestant divide, setting a stage for the ongoing conflict in Ireland.