The Act of Union

William Pitt, the British Prime Minister, wanted to have Ireland ruled by the Parliament in England. Some Irish people wanted Ireland to be ruled from England. Others such as Henry Grattan wanted Ireland to have its own parliament. Pitt gave titles and money to people to vote away their right to their own parliament. Ireland and Britain were united into one kingdom. The Act of Union was passed in 1800.

Ireland after the Union

There was now free trade between Britain and Ireland. Things got better for some people. Shoes and clothes became cheaper. Canals were dug. Railways were built. Belfast had a big linen industry. Firms such as Guinness, Jacobs and Jamesons did well. However many of the small industries (spinning and weaving) did badly and had to close down. Lots of rich people moved to London, and their lovely houses in Dublin were not kept well. The Parliament House was sold to the Bank of Ireland.

Life in the Country

80% of Irish people lived in the country. Many of them rented their farms from landlords. A small number of tenants had big farms, and they lived in two storey houses. Some of them were quite rich. Most of the tenant farmers lived in thatched cottages and they grew potatoes and corn.

Life for the Poor People

More than ½ of the people had no land and they got work from the tenant farmers. They lived in mud cabins and they grew potatoes on a small piece of land. They worked for the tenant farmer in return for use of the land. Things were even worse for labourers. They walked the roads looking for work. Lots of people were very poor. There was a lot of crime and violence. A police force was set up in 1832, and its members were nicknamed “Peelers” because it was set up by Robert Peel.

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