Massacre of Mullaghmast
The massacre of Mullaghmast refers to a summary execution of Irish gentry by the English Army and Tudor officials in Ireland. It may have occurred at the end of the year 1577. There is limited surviving documentation on the massacre, although documents have recently been made available at the National Library of Ireland.Background
According to traditional accounts, Francis Cosby, and Robert Hartpole – prospective English colonists in the plantation of Laois – plotted to kill native Irish chieftains. The Lord Deputy of Ireland, Henry Sidney, reputedly colluded with Cosby and Hartpole. To expedite the plot, they befriended members of prominent native Irish families.
Between 100 and 400 members of families prominent in Laois were summoned to Mullaghmast in County Kildare, under a pretext of performing military service. Most of those who attended were murdered, including some who were burned at the stake.
The following account of the massacre is found in the Annals of the Four Masters:
