SEARC'S WEB GUIDE - Phelim Roe O'Neill (1604-1653)

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17th Century Ireland - Phelim Roe O'Neill (1604-1653)

Phelim Roe O'Neill, descendent of Donal O'Neill, was born in Ulster. He studied law at Lincoln's Inn, Dublin and was elected to Parliament for Dungannon in 1641. He was Commander in Chief of the Irish forces in Ulster where, claiming to be acting on the authority of Charles I, he waged war on the Parliamentarians from 1641-1652 when he was imprisoned in County Tyrone and executed on 10th of March, 1653.
This extract is from The True Demands of the Rebels in Ireland dated February 3rd, 1641 (printed in London, 1642) to which O'Neill, together with rebel leaders Mountgarret, Devlin, Don Luce, Cargena, Limbrey and 'divers others' were signatories.©

The Rebels Demands We in the name of all the nobility, and commonality 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 doth officiate in this Kingdom in that Kingdomes behalf, these particulars.

For the Church I] Because as good Christians we ought in the first place have the chiefest care for our souls, which care we can no way better express that 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.

II] 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 and convenient Temples and Chapels: We therefore demand all our Churches, Chapels, Oracles, Temples, as well as private parishes, as general and city Cathedrals to be given up to our use the native inhabitants of this Kingdom.

III] 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, Priorys, monasteries, or ancient universities, their ancient lands and demeanes.

For the Kingdom I] That all lands and livings be restored unto those owners if yet living, or their undoubted heirs, and very nearest of kin that were taken away either in Queen Elizabeth's or King James' days.

II] That the children and heirs of the nobility, that neither of those foresaid Princes reigns suffered either loss of life or honour, be restored to their former dignities.

III] 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, be restored among the nobles of that country.

IV] That the King in trust 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 set over his militia, of England and Scotland, Protestants, and Puritans.

V] That for what hostility hath been summoned there, may not only be a pardon but an Act of Oblivion.

VII] 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.

VIII] That the Earl of Cork [Richard Boyle, Lord Justice of Ireland, 1629] in particular, be caused to render back, if not all, set 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 men's estates.

IX] That they may enjoy entirely all the privileges and Franchises granted them by Edward the Fourth.

X] 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.

XI] That no Irish passing beyond sea be forced to take any Oath, containing any clauses in it contrary to the profession of his faith and persuasion of his conscience.

XII] That they may have a triennial Parliament as in England, and that the Catholics may have the choice of their Parliament members. © Searc's Web Guide 1997-2007

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