This title of Lord of Ireland, Henry now desired to alter. It had been conferred on his ancestor by the Pope, and therefore to reject it would be a new mark of independence of the Papal power. Besides this, it was considered that a King of Ireland would command more respect. King of Ireland then Henry was declared, by an Act of the Parliament which met in Dublin in the June of 1541.

This Parliament was the largest and most impressive that had been held in Ireland for several centuries. Some of the Irish chiefs who had lately submitted were present, though only apparently as visitors. The Earl of Ormond translated the opening addresses of the Speaker, and of the Chancellor, into Irish for their benefit.

Submissions of O’Neill and of O’Donnell.—In the latter part of 1542 submissions were obtained from other chiefs, and notably from Manus O’Donnell and Conn O’Neill (known as ” Bacach ” or ” the Lame “), heads of the two great Ulster clans. The terms laid down in these cases were stated in great detail. O’Neill declares that he will renounce the name ” O’Neill ” ;* will be obedient to the King’s law, and answer his writs, precepts and commands ; he and his heirs will use the English habits, and, ” to their knowledge ,” the English tongue. Both chiefs agree to renounce the Papal authority.