Powell’s Dublin Prayer Book
Archived: 18 October 2026
Abstract
In 1551, Ireland’s political map still consisted less of a single governed realm than of overlapping jurisdictions, alliances and rival claims. Edward VI was king, and the Dublin administration claimed authority over the whole island, but its regular reach remained strongest in Dublin, the Pale and a scattering of garrisons. Beyond them, Gaelic lordships and great aristocratic territories retained armed followings, local law, hereditary expectations and diplomatic connections across the Irish Sea. The year brought this uneven kingdom into sharp focus: an English prayer book was printed in Dublin for the first time, a new lord deputy took office, and