1608 Die Stat und Vestung Kynsael in Hybernien… The Seige and Battle of Kinsale
By: Abraham Hogenberg
Date: 1608 (circa) Cologne
Dimensions: 8 x 11 inches (20.5 x 28 cm)
This interesting map depicts a famous historical event, the siege and battle of Kinsale, which took place in Ireland between autumn 1601 and January 1602, when the Spanish forces which had been assisting Ireland with their longstanding rebellion were forced to surrender to the English.
The map provides a highly detailed depiction of the area with its walls and cannonry defenses. Infantry and foot soldiers with long pikes are depicted along with housing including tents and more permanent installations, including a fortified castle which is yet extant., and matches the map's depiction quite precisely. A long line of armed men can be seen leading from one part of the fortifications to another, and ships are seen in an area where they were blocked from docking. Explanatory notes in German are written along the lower border of the map.
Spain had shipped 3,000 troops to the area in the autumn of 1601, following which the fleet returned to Spain to recruit additional military aid. In their absence, the English arrived with 10,000 infantry, 600 horsemen and many cannons. Although Spain was later able to add another 6,000 troops, due to poor organization and the long winter of siege conditions the Spanish-Irish coalition ultimately failed.
This brought an end to the near decade long movement during which Ulster Gaelic chieftains succeeded in driving out the English and spreading insurrection throughout Ireland. Spanish forces had landed in Kinsale in the autumn of 1601 but were immediately besieged by the English under Lord Deputy Mountjoy. A large force of Gaelic soldiers marched from Ulster to join the Spanish but despite early successes the Irish were routed in early 1602 and Spain withdrew its troops. This ended Spanish interest in Ireland and finally broke the spirits of the Irish, following which they remained under the yoke of the English.
Most of Ulster was seized and English settlers were moved in to farm the area. The old Gaelic order was destroyed, including breaking the clan system and getting ride of many of the most troublesome chieftains, as Gaelic aristocracy fled to continental Europe. The power vacuum they left behind was soon filled by the English.
Condition: This map on hand laid paper is in A condition. Crisp impression. Toning of the image is even.
Inventory #12858
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