Above: Edward III Castle

Edward III succeeded to the throne of England in 1527, in succession to his father Edward II. The Irish government emerged from the Bruce struggle weak; it now grew weaker year by year- engaged in defence rather than invasion; and the causes were not far to seek. The Irish, taking advantage of the dissensions and helplessness of the English, recovered a great part of their lands. The English all over the country were fast becoming absorbed into the native population.