Why did they leave?

Surrender and regrant

Sixteenth century woodcut illustrating the policy of "surrender and regrant." Turlogh Luineach O'Neill of Tyrone and his followers kneel in submission to Lord Deputy of Ireland, Sir Henry Sidney. By pledging their loyalty to the English monarch and its laws and customs, the Irish leaders were pardoned for their part in any previous rebellion. Importantly, they were able to keep their lands and property, giving their sons right of inheritance.

Blackstaff Press

Surrender and regrant
Blackstaff Press

Surrender and regrant

Sixteenth century woodcut illustrating the policy of "surrender and regrant." Turlogh Luineach O'Neill of Tyrone and his followers kneel in submission to Lord Deputy of Ireland, Sir Henry Sidney. By pledging their loyalty to the English monarch and its laws and customs, the Irish leaders were pardoned for their part in any previous rebellion. Importantly, they were able to keep their lands and property, giving their sons right of inheritance.

Blackstaff Press

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Many things had changed in Ulster in the late sixteenth and seventeenth century. The land had been ravaged by war; disease and starvation had cut the population drastically. English troops were stationed in forts across the province. Scottish planters were being located in parts of Antrim. Many English soldiers and officials, including the new Lord Deputy, Sir Arthur Chichester, were hoping to gain large tracts of land for themselves. Others, like law official Sir John Davies felt that not enough effort was being made to bring English customs to the area. In letter after letter to Queen Elizabeth, they accused Hugh O'Neill of Tyrone, frequently referred to as "that traitor O'Neill," of disloyalty to the Crown.