The subjugation of the Irish by the English began long before Oliver Cromwell. As early as Henry IV, Sir John Talbot, who would feature prominently in Henry’s “band of brothers” at Harfleur and Agincourt, made his name putting down rebellions in Ireland. For his “strong hand” in dealing with the Celtic “savages’” Talbot was made March Earl of Shrewsbury. Suppression of the Irish continued under the Tudors, until a posting to that troubled state became a career challenge for aspiring courtiers, and the ruination of many.
My favorite king, Richard the Third, was well-loved by the Irish. His brother was born there and his family had deep ties to Ireland. One of the reasons he got under the skin of the barons and nobility was his support of noble Irish families against the interests of the English aristocracy.
If I can believe the notes in the blank pages in the back of our Family Bible, which has been in my family since arriving in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607, my great,g,g,g,...grandfather purchased an Irish slave named Sarah and freed and married her in 1650. That would make me the descendant of an Irish slave.
Yes, I am familiar with Irish Slavery.