Since a rebellion in 1641, Ireland had been a problem to Parliament. The formation of a Royalist army under Ormonde and the growth of Royalist sympathy after the execution of the King led Cromwell to be dispatched to deal with the Irish situation. His actions during this campaign resulted in one of the most enduring and negative images of Cromwell and as his remembrance as one of the most hated figures in Ireland's history.

Selected as Captain-General of the Parliamentarian forces and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Cromwell went to Ireland with a well provisioned army in August 1649. Cromwell regarded Ireland as "priest ridden and barbarous" and believed his mission to be a holy war against heathen Catholics.

Cromwell began his campaign at by a siege of Drogheda. When his terms for surrender were refused by the garrison Cromwell ordered the storming of the town and that "no quarter should be given." Over 2000 troops and civilians were put to the sword. There followed a similar attack upon Wexford where nearly 3000 were killed.

Under accepted rules of warfare Cromwell was allowed to act as he did, he had offered the chance to surrender. However only in Ireland did he pursue such ruthless actions, the most atrocious of the Civil War period.

Cromwell was later to say that his orders were given in the heat of battle and that such actions had destroyed Royalist support in Ireland. This was certainly true for the Country was almost completely pacified when Cromwell returned to England in May 1650.

"Cromwell came over and like a lightning passed over the land."
Bishop Nicholas French of Ireland.

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