A True Account of the Present State of Ireland
When Diarmait Mac Murchadha (Dermot MacMurrough) appealed to King Henry II of England for military aid to regain control of Ireland, his request opened the door for the Norman invasion of Ireland, which began in 1169. Over the years, the Irish lost control of their country. In 1585, the Composition of Connacht reduced the influence of the old Irish chieftaincies, while in 1652, the Cromwellian Act of Settlement did irreparable damage to Irish land rights and custom. On display is the 'New Irish Bill' a vain attempt to restore customary rights as implemented in 1641 and a precursor to the Treaty of Limerick of 1691. Both documents were unacceptable to most Protestants in Ireland.