In this collection
of essays, a range of established and early-career scholars explore a variety
of different perspectives on Oliver Cromwell’s involvement with Ireland, in
particular his military campaign of 1649-1650.

In England and
Wales Cromwell is regarded as a figure of national importance; in Ireland his
reputation remains highly controversial. The essays gathered together here provide
a fresh take on his Irish campaign, reassessing the backdrop and context of the
prevailing siege warfare strategy and offering new insights into other major
players such as Henry Ireton and the Marquis of Ormond. Other topics include,
but are not limited to, the Cromwellian land settlement, deportation of
prisoners and popular memory of Cromwell in Ireland. Overall, a picture
emerges of a more moderate Cromwell than the version that has been passed down
in Irish history, tradition and folklore.

CONTRIBUTORS: Martyn Bennett, Heidi J. Coburn, Sarah Covington, John Cunningham, Eamon Darcy, David Farr, Padraig Lenihan, Alan Marshall, Nick Poyntz, Tom Reilly, James Scott Wheeler