List of Irish MPs 1639–1649 facts for kids

The Irish House of Commons was like a parliament or a group of people who helped make laws for Ireland many years ago. It was a bit like the Dáil Éireann we have today, but it worked differently. This group of lawmakers met between 1639 and 1649. This was a very important and often difficult time in Irish history, with many big changes happening.

What Was the Irish House of Commons?

The Irish House of Commons was one part of the Parliament of Ireland. It was made up of people called Members of Parliament, or MPs. These MPs were chosen to represent different areas of Ireland. Their job was to discuss important issues and help create laws for the country. It was a place where different ideas and beliefs could be heard, though not everyone had a say in who became an MP.

Who Were the Members of Parliament?

During the years 1639 to 1649, there were almost 300 MPs in the Irish House of Commons. These members came from various backgrounds and parts of Ireland. They represented different towns, counties, and even universities. For example, some MPs represented places like County Dublin or Galway.

What is a Constituency?

Each MP represented a specific area called a "constituency." Think of a constituency as a district or region. People living in these areas would choose their MP to speak for them in the House of Commons. This system made sure that different parts of Ireland had a voice in law-making.

Different Beliefs in Parliament

In the 1600s, religion was a very important part of life and politics. The MPs in the Irish House of Commons during this period had different religious beliefs. Some were Protestant, and others were Catholic. These differences sometimes led to disagreements and shaped the laws and decisions made by the Parliament. For example, some well-known Catholic MPs included Nicholas Barnewall and Sir Richard Blake. Important Protestant MPs included Sir William Brownlow and Sir Maurice Eustace.

Important Times: 1639-1649

The period between 1639 and 1649 was a time of great change and conflict in Ireland and across the British Isles. This decade saw the start of the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the wider Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which included the English Civil War. These events had a huge impact on how the Irish House of Commons worked and what it could achieve. Many MPs were involved in these conflicts, and the Parliament often struggled to function normally. Some MPs, like Sir Phelim O'Neill, played key roles in the rebellion. Others, like Sir Charles Coote, were important figures on the opposing side. The work of these MPs during such a turbulent time helped shape the future of Ireland.