Ireland under James II
1685-1689
With the accession of King James the Second we approach the final episode in the long struggle which extends from the invasion under Strongbow to the capitulation of Limerick. One last attempt was made to overthrow by force of arms the narrow and anti-national system on which Ireland had long been governed; and its failure secured for another century the unrestrained domination of the Protestant caste.
In accordance with the policy agreed upon before the death of the late King the Duke of Ormond was removed from the viceroyalty; but, as Rochester, who had formerly been intended for his successor, was now selected by his brother-in-law to fill the great office of Lord High Treasurer of England, the government was temporarily entrusted to Michael Boyle, Archbishop of Armagh, and to the Earl of Granard, as Lords Justices. It was, perhaps, hoped that the appointment of the Primate would prove satisfactory to the Established Church; that that of Granard would conciliate the Presbyterians; and
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