Castlecomer’s Crown Title
Wentworth’s authority was both practical and theatrical. In August he made a progress through Leinster and Munster, receiving formal civic welcomes in a succession of towns. Such occasions allowed municipal elites to demonstrate loyalty and gave the lord deputy a visible presence far beyond Dublin Castle. They should not, however, be mistaken for a popular verdict on his rule. The receptions were carefully managed. Many landowners, both catholic and protestant, had reason to fear the administration’s use of commissions, inquisitions and prerogative jurisdictions to reopen questions apparently settled by long possession.