Settlement of Laois and Offaly 1556 facts for kids
The Settlement of Laois and Offaly 1556 was an important law passed in 1556 by the Parliament of Ireland. This law led to the creation of two new counties in the middle of Ireland: Queen's County and King's County.
The law also created two main towns: Maryborough (Portlaoise) and Philipstown (Daingean). These towns were named after Queen Mary I and King Phillip II. This Act was the first time the Tudor rulers tried to set up new settlements, known as plantations, in Ireland. Its main goal was to open up the area for English people to settle there.
This law meant that the lands of the O'More clan (from Loígis) and the O'Connor rulers (from the Kingdom of Uí Failghe) were taken over. The English monarch now legally owned these lands. Later, in 1922, Queen's County was renamed Laois, and King's County became Offaly. The law itself was officially cancelled by Dáil Éireann in 1962.
Parliament of Ireland
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| Long title | An Act whereby the King and Queen's Majesties, and the Heires and Successors of the Queen, be entituled to the Counties of Leix, Slewmarge, Irry, Glinmaliry, and Offaily, and for making the same Countries Shire Grounds. |
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| Citation | 1556 (3 & 4 Phil. & Mar) c. 2 |
| Territorial extent | Kingdom of Ireland |
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| Commencement | 1556 |
| Repealed | 24 November 1962 |
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| Repealed by | Statute Law Revision (Pre-Union Irish Statutes) Act 1962 |
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Status: Repealed
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