Although Scots had been settling in Ireland and more particularly Ulster for hundreds of years, it was not until 1606 that a major plantation occurred.

The plantation was masterminded by two men, James Hamilton and Hugh Montgomery. Both were native scots but each saw major benefits in a settlement which would undoubtedly leave them as powerful landowners in Ulster.

The main player was Hugh Montgomery who in a dramatic episode helped a prominent Irish chieftain, Con O'Neill escape from jail in Carrickfergus. In return Con O'Neill was to sign over a major proportion of his lands of Upper Clannaboye (modern day Nth Down) to Montgomery.

However Montgomery's plan was disrupted by the efforts of James Hamilton. Upon hearing of Montgomery's exploits, Hamilton persuaded King James I that O'Neill's lands should be split three ways and thus the bedrock was layed for the plantation.

Next