Archived: 14 October 2026
Abstract
In 1699, post-war Ireland remained shaped by land redistribution, Protestant security and contested trade. The Irish parliament concluded legislation imposing woollen export duties, supporting Church of Ireland clerical residences, protecting timber and regulating butter casks. Westminster's Woollen Act then barred most Irish wool and woollen exports to foreign markets, restricting a vital, widespread industry and encouraging, but not immediately replacing it with, linen. A parliamentary commission investigated Williamite forfeitures, reporting thousands attainted and over one million plantation acres affected, deepening uncertainty over titles. Anti-Catholic laws and proclamations restricted solicitors, arms and clerical jurisdiction. Dublin's print trade nevertheless demonstrated wider connections.
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Archived: 14 October 2026
Abstract
In 1696, Williamite Ireland consolidated its post-war authority through military, fiscal and municipal controls rather than major conflict. Alarm over French-backed Jacobitism prompted proclamations against fugitives, alleged tories and absent officers, while Catholic disarmament authorised searches and deepened inequality. At Clonmel, the corporation ordered soldiers quartered in Catholic homes to prevent meetings, illustrating domestic surveillance despite continued Catholic trading. Poll and hearth taxes, regulated measures and proclamations sustained administration. Investigations into forfeited estates exposed continuing uncertainty over Catholic property rights. State-appointed fasts and thanksgivings reinforced Protestant political culture, while action against pirate Henry Every reflected Ireland’s place in imperial policing.
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