From A Contemporary History of Affairs in Ireland from 1641 to 1652 edited by John T. Gilbert. Taken from the demands of the Irish rebels to the state unto the state and Council of Dublin, February 3, 1641. The original text has been rendered into modern English by the transcriber.
We in the name of all the nobility, gentry, and commonalty of Ireland, before God, and all the world; as most reasonable in the sight of all good and indifferent men: We the above-written do require of the Crown of England, and that Crown’s ministers of State that do officiate in this kingdom in that kingdom’s behalf, these particulars:
FOR THE CHURCH.
- Because as good Christians we ought in the first place to have the chiefest care of our souls, which care we can no way better express than in pure and constant profession of Christ’s ancient, only true and Catholic religion, we therefore, the earls, barons, and gentlemen under written, do demand the full, free, open, general, and uncontrollable profession of the ancient and only true Roman Catholic religion in this ancient kingdom and dominion of Ireland.
- Knowing that we cannot enjoy our religion and the public profession of it in a universal national way, as by us is meant and intended, except we may likewise have our churches, oracles (oratories) and convenient temples and chapels. We therefore demand all our churches, chapels, oracles, temples, as well private parishes, as general and city cathedrals, to be given up to our use, the native inhabitants of this kingdom.
- Seeing that religion cannot be enjoyed or exercised but by the men of learning, and abilities fitted to that purpose, nor learning cherished, but by maintenance and revenue, we therefore demand restoration of all religious houses, whether abbeys, priories, monasteries, or ancient universities, their ancient lands and demesnes.
FOR THE KINGDOM.
- That all lands and livings be restored unto those owners if yet living, or to their undoubted heirs, and very nearest of kin that were taken away either in Queen Elizabeth’s, or King James’s days.
- That the children and heirs of the nobility, that neither (in either) of those aforesaid princes’ reigns suffered either loss of life or honour, be restored to their former dignities.
- That the Scots be removed out of the north of Ireland, and the right owners which now beg about Ireland in great want and misery, though of most high blood and birth, among the nobles of that country.
- That the King entrust with his magazines, forts, castles, and block-houses of Ireland, Catholic commanders, and those that may be well relished and liked of the country, as he sets over his militia of England and Scotland, Protestants and Puritans.
- That the King set over them a Deputy professing the Roman Catholic religion.
- That for what hostility hath been summoned there may not only be a pardon, but an act of oblivion.
- That the merchants and traders of the Irish nation may be as free in their trade, and have as much privilege and favour in their customs either in England or Scotland, as the Scots of late are granted in England, or the English in Scotland.
- That the Earl of Cork in particular be caused to render back, if not all, yet a considerable portion some way valuable toward the maintenance of poor impoverished children of the nobility and gentry undone by him, it being his usual course first to entitle the King, and then to seize mens’ estates.
- That they may enjoy entirely all the privileges and franchises granted them by Edward the Fourth.
- That no companies or troops of theirs be hindered from going over to serve the King of Spain, or any other Catholic Prince, the King of England having no need of them, and they not having any employment or means to live upon in the country.
- That no Irish passing beyond sea be forced to take any oath, containing clauses in it contrary to the profession of his faith, and persuasion of his conscience.
- That they may have a triannual Parliament as in England, and that the Catholics may have the choice of their Parliament men – Finis.