The Plantation of Ulster: The British Colonization of the North of Ireland in the 17th Century

by Jonathan Bardon

The Plantation of Ulster was the most ambitious scheme of colonization ever attempted in modern Europe, and one of the largest European migrations of the period. In this vivid account, the author punctures some generally held assumptions.

Genres: History, Ireland, Irish Literature, European History

416 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[Stefaan Van ryssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST read if you're interested in History and the History of the British and Irish Isles. The atrocities of the English, the stupidity of King James and the Lords and Lairds of England and Scotland have sown the seed of the Troubles. And the agony of Ireland isn't over yet.
A scholarly book, so expect thoroughness and depth of analysis (and some repetitions). But in the long run, it is all more than worthwhile.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several years ago I joined Ancestry.com and took the basic DNA test. To my surprise, I learned that my Northern Irish ancestors, who came to the United States in the early 19th century, were actually Scottish. This revelation sent me off to learn more about Scottish emigration to Ireland and the British plantation system of the 17th-18th centuries. One of the books I found was "The Plantation of Ulster" by Jonathan Bardon.
Bardon's book is a very, very detailed history of subject, but one that was valuable to give me a good basis for future genealogical research. I think I now understand a lot more about hos my ancestors came to Ireland and why they left for America. The book follows the manner of settlement and the aim of the English government of James I-William and Mary to remove the native Irish from control of the country and replace them with new settlers from England and Scotland. It also gives a pretty solid explanation for the following centuries of "troubles" that plagued - and still plague - Northern Ireland.
Although the reader can easily get bogged down in the amount of detail included, this is a very good foundation for understanding the history of Ulster.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatively unbiased and thorough account of the plantation of Ulster. Some seemingly unnecessarily long descriptions of large numbers of planters at some stages in the book, which made reading a little slow, and some repetitions throughout the book, but overall a good description of how the plantation commenced and proceeded. I think more should read this history.

[Brian Curragh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the origins of the continuing problems underlying Ulster's two communities. Although, as Jonathan Bardon himself acknowledges, trying to keep on top of the twists and turns of events in the 1640's does require a particularly clear head. Highly recommended.

[Frumenty · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the dullest books that I’ve ever read, or I should say that I’ve tried to read. I gave up. Nothing unsound about the history that I can see, just dull.

[Harold Harkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy this Book so much keeps brain working for hours our days is a great read you will Enjoy it. This book had me hooked from the first time I set eyes on the title. It didn't disappoint from the first sentence. I could not put it down.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY Irish and 'Northern Irish' British person needs to read this-- Bardon is probably the least biased writer on the subject and covers all bases. I agree with other reviewers that he can be repetitive at times but I find this reinforces the information thus helping the reader to retain the content more

[Lance McNeill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed history for enthusiasts

If you're a bit more interested than your average casual reader, the detail in this book will be fine, but it might be a bit overwhelming for the more casual reader.

[Anna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!!!

[Daniel Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the plantation of Ulster, its economic, political, religious, and military consequences as well as why the 1641 rebellion occurred.

[DeWayne Landwehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great treatment of the Ulster plantation

This book clarified some of the confusion I had regarding the plantation of Ulster, the factions and some of the families involved.

[Tiarnán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good general narrative history of the Ulster plantations of the c.17th century, the context of British colonial expansion in which they occurred, as well as their legacy for latter day northern Ireland. Filled with great anecdotes and lots of local detail. Repeats itself in parts.

[Pausonious · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent study of the Plantation of Ulster if a little heavy with the recording of countless individual planters at times
Long detailed lists of those who received X amount of acres (especially the ones below 1,000) forgettable and tedious