Massacre of Mullaghmast
Encyclopedia
The Massacre of Mullaghmast
refers to the summary execution of Irish
chieftains by the British military in Ireland
. It probably occurred in the year 1578. There is limited surviving documentation on the massacre
, although documents have recently been made available at the National Library of Ireland
.
, a soldier, and Robert Hartpole, a colonist, were both Englishmen who were granted land in the plantation of Leix (formally known as the Queen's county) in Ireland. The men befriended the native Irish, but in conjunction with the Lord deputy in Ireland plotted to kill the local Chieftains, two of whom were high-powered Ulstermen. With the help of the Lord Deputy of Ireland
, they summoned 100-400 of the members of the leading families of Laois to Mullaghmast
in County Kildare
to perform military service. Most of these people were slaughtered, some burned at the stake.
An account of the massacre:
Mullaghmast
Mullaghmast , is a hill in the south of County Kildare, Leinster, near the village of Ballitore. It was an important site in prehistory, in early history and again in more recent times...
refers to the summary execution of Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
chieftains by the British military in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. It probably occurred in the year 1578. There is limited surviving documentation on the massacre
Massacre
A massacre is an event with a heavy death toll.Massacre may also refer to:-Entertainment:*Massacre , a DC Comics villain*Massacre , a 1932 drama film starring Richard Barthelmess*Massacre, a 1956 Western starring Dane Clark...
, although documents have recently been made available at the National Library of Ireland
National Library of Ireland
The National Library of Ireland is Ireland's national library located in Dublin, in a building designed by Thomas Newenham Deane. The Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism is the member of the Irish Government responsible for the library....
.
Background
Francis CosbyFrancis Cosby
Francis Cosby was an English soldier and settler in Ireland. He has been implicated in the Massacre of Mullaghmast.-Life:He was the second son of John Cosby of Great Leak, Nottingham. He settled in Ireland in the reign of Henry VIII...
, a soldier, and Robert Hartpole, a colonist, were both Englishmen who were granted land in the plantation of Leix (formally known as the Queen's county) in Ireland. The men befriended the native Irish, but in conjunction with the Lord deputy in Ireland plotted to kill the local Chieftains, two of whom were high-powered Ulstermen. With the help of the Lord Deputy of Ireland
Lord Deputy of Ireland
The Lord Deputy was the King's representative and head of the Irish executive under English rule, during the Lordship of Ireland and later the Kingdom of Ireland...
, they summoned 100-400 of the members of the leading families of Laois to Mullaghmast
Mullaghmast
Mullaghmast , is a hill in the south of County Kildare, Leinster, near the village of Ballitore. It was an important site in prehistory, in early history and again in more recent times...
in County Kildare
County Kildare
County Kildare is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Kildare. Kildare County Council is the local authority for the county...
to perform military service. Most of these people were slaughtered, some burned at the stake.
An account of the massacre: