Dangerous Condition of Irish Affairs

It seemed possible, under these circumstances, that, if a rebellion were started in Ireland, it would receive some assistance from France or Scotland, or both. Henry II of France appears to have had an idea that it might be worth his while to take action, and he sent agents to Ireland to report on the state of things there.

Next year (1550), however, he made peace with England. Scotland, distracted by the perpetual struggles of the nobility against the Regent, could do nothing, and the Irish chiefs, whose intrigues in Paris and Edinburgh were known to the English Government, were left to find their way back as best they could into the good graces of the Lord Deputy. This they did without much difficulty. St. Leger was too well aware of the obstacles to a campaign in Ulster—its great expense and uncertain results—to desire to drive these powerful dynasts into an attitude of determined hostility.

In religious as in civil affairs, St. Leger was anxious to resume the conciliatory methods of his former Viceroyalty. To the remonstrances of Archbishop Browne, who disapproved- of this policy, he only replied by telling him ” your matter of religion will mar all.”

The troubles of -the Deputy were indeed sufficiently numerous. The revenue was in a deplorable state, and an attempt made by the English Government to improve it by debasing the coinage ruined trade, added to the confusion, and caused great suffering. A scheme to work the Wicklow silver mines ended in failure. St. Leger, in spite of his many difficulties, appears to have made some progress in tranquillising the country, and, though raids and disorder still continued in parts, there seems to have been a decided advance in the general prosperity, and the hostility of the chiefs was diminished.