Burning of Dungannon facts for kids

The Burning of Dungannon happened in June 1602. It was a big event during a time called Tyrone's Rebellion. Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, who was a powerful leader, decided to burn his own main town, Dungannon. Dungannon was the traditional home of his family, the O'Neills. This act showed that the rebellion was entering its final stage. After burning the town, Tyrone became a fugitive, meaning he was on the run. However, he surprisingly received a pardon the next year.

What Was the Burning of Dungannon?

The Burning of Dungannon was when Hugh O'Neill, the Earl of Tyrone, set fire to his own capital city, Dungannon. This happened in June 1602. It was a strategic move during Tyrone's Rebellion, also known as the Nine Years' War in Ireland. Tyrone chose to destroy his own town rather than let his enemies capture it. This event showed how desperate the situation had become for him.

Why Did Tyrone Burn His Own Town?

Tyrone burned Dungannon because he was losing the war. His army had suffered a major defeat. Many of his allies were switching sides to support the English Crown. He was also being attacked from three different directions. Burning the town was a way to prevent his enemies from using it. It also allowed him to escape and continue fighting.

The Battle of Kinsale and Its Aftermath

A key moment before the burning was the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. Tyrone's army was badly defeated there. After this loss, he had to retreat to his home area in County Tyrone, Ulster. The English Crown then tried to win over Tyrone's allies. Many of the local Irish lords who had supported him now changed sides. This made many people in the area turn against Tyrone.

Facing Three Armies

Tyrone found himself surrounded by English forces. Three separate armies were closing in on him. Henry Docwra led one force from Derry. Arthur Chichester led another from Carrickfergus. The main army, led by Lord Mountjoy, advanced from Dundalk. Tyrone's usual strategy was to avoid big battles. He preferred to retreat and then launch surprise attacks, called ambushes. With three armies closing in, he decided to abandon Dungannon. He gave orders for the town to be set on fire.

What Happened After the Fire?

After Dungannon was burned, Tyrone and his remaining followers became fugitives. They hid in the thick forests. Despite his difficult situation, Tyrone eventually received a pardon. This led to a peace treaty and the return of his lands.

Tyrone Becomes a Fugitive

Soon after the fire, Tyrone's cousin and enemy, Conn MacShane O'Neill, took control of the burned castle. He held it against Tyrone. Lord Mountjoy then moved in and occupied the ruins of Dungannon. Tyrone and the few followers he had left retreated into the Glenconkeyne Woods. He managed to avoid being captured there.

The Treaty of Mellifont and Peace

Even though Tyrone had been defeated militarily, things changed for him politically. New developments in London led to him being brought back into royal favor. This meant the King was willing to forgive him. The result was the Treaty of Mellifont. This treaty gave Tyrone a full pardon for his rebellion. It also gave him back all his lands. After the treaty, Tyrone traveled to London to meet the new King, James I. Once peace was made, the Earl took back his lands. He then began the important work of rebuilding Dungannon.