Policy of Wentworth.—Viscount Wentworth, previous to his arrival in Ireland, had been a somewhat prominent figure in English politics. At his first entrance into public life he had sided with the Parliament in its disputes with Charles, but afterwards had suddenly changed, from motives very difficult to understand. Henceforth, for good or ill, in adversity as in prosperity, he was the King's man. It was for the King, and solely with an eye to what he conceived to be his interest, that ... Read More

Above : Picture Of Wentworth The prosperity of Ireland was, however, to be sought—such was the Deputy's view—not for her own sake, but that she might minister to the prosperity of England and the power of the English Crown. There¬fore, any branch of Irish industry which seemed to threaten to rival or interfere with a similar industry in England must be at once repressed. It was for this reason that Wentworth sought to effect the ruin of the Irish Woollen trade. He declared ... Read More