In 1609, English and Scottish Protestants were sent by King James I of England to confiscate and settle on land taken from the native Irish. Almost 4 million acres of land in the province of Ulster was divided up into estates and rented cheaply to the English and Scottish settlers.
Causes of this organised migration
- King James I of England wanted to rule over the entire island of Ireland and to put a stop to rebellion taking place. Ulster had been the strongest of the 4 provinces in the struggle against British rule.
- King James I wanted to 'civilize' Ulster and to introduce the Protestant religion and English customs to the region.
- The English and Scottish settlers were promised good farmland a better life in Ulster.
Consequences of the organised migration
- The planation resulted in new religions being brought to the region: Protestantism and Presbyterianism were introduced to Ulster and became the majority religions. This contributed to unrest and a divide between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland that still exists today.
- Before the plantation, Irish was spoken in Ulster. During the plantation, the English language was introduced.
- English farming methods were introduced, with more crop-growing and less cattle farming than before.
- English and Scottish customs and cultures were introduced to Ulster during the plantation.