Black Oath
Archived: 16 October 2026
In 1639, Thomas Wentworth’s Dublin administration treated Ulster’s Scottish settlers as a security threat amid the Covenanters’ revolt. Commissioners imposed a compulsory loyalty oath, later called the Black Oath, requiring Scots to reject unauthorised covenants; 1,500 troops enforced compliance. Although no uprising occurred, departures, religious division and distrust deepened. Ireland also figured in Charles I’s abortive war plans against Scotland, including Randal MacDonnell’s ambitions, but no expedition sailed. Wentworth’s land policies faced resistance in Connacht, while Catholic grievances remained unresolved. Despite political strain, Dublin produced scholarly works by James Ussher and James Ware, revealing a brittle yet culturally active kingdom.
