30 June 1845
Maynooth Grant

Previous event | Timeline | Next event

Prime Minister Peel has been trying to introduce limited economic reforms in Ireland. His aim is to improve conditions enough to bring political stability – or at least to take the sting out of agitation for repeal of the union with Britain.

Preferential treatment for Anglicans and discrimination against Catholics is official government policy, but Peel has cleared the way for some new non-sectarian colleges to be founded in Ireland. Now he causes uproar in his own party by giving a substantial grant to Maynooth College, which trains Catholic priests. This is seen by many as undermining the traditional ascendancy of the Anglican Church. English popular reaction is hostile, and Gladstone, president of the Board of Trade, resigns in protest.

Top