THE 1641 REBELLION

In 1641, a great disaster befell the Ulster settlers, when the native Irish rose in rebellion. The general aims of the rebels were to turn out the Protestant settlers, regain the confiscated estates, to overthrow English rule in Ireland, to remove and root out Protestantism, and to secure freedom for the Roman Catholic faith. Presbyterians did not suffer as much as their fellow Protestants belonging to the Church of Ireland communion, because many ministers and people had been driven out or imprisoned during the 1630's and thus the Bishops had unwittingly saved them from these atrocities.

During the rebellion Markethill and district did not escape the havoc and barbarity. Sir Phelim O'Neill on his march from Newry to Armagh in 1641, ordered Mulmory MacDonell " . . . to kill all the English and Scots within the parishes of Mullebrack, Logilly and Kilcluney". William Trumble (Trimble) of Hamiltonsbawn is said to have been the first person killed during the rebellion.

Among properties destroyed were the Parish Churches of Mullaghbrack and Kilcluney, Achesons Castle at Markethill and Hamiltons "bawn" at Hamiltonsbawn. The rectors of Mullaghbrack - Rev. Mercer, and Loughgilly - Rev. Burns, both lost their lives. Also held in custody, by the rebels was the Rev. Michael Berkhead (Berket) admitted to the rectory of Kilcluney in 1617.

On the 8th. February 1642, General Robert Monroe was sent from Scotland with a large force to quell the Ulster rebellion. The Irish Civil War raged back and forth across Ireland until Cromwell put an end to it in 1652, this period was known as "The Commonwealth". 

 Protestants drowned in River Bann

The year 1685, on the 11th. February, saw James II, formally proclaimed King. Soon it was realised that James' true aim was the establishment of the Roman Catholic church and many Ulster Protestants were among the first to petition the coming of William, Prince of Orange.

At the beginning of 1689 Protestants formed themselves into Associations. These bodies elected Councils of War, and a Commander-in-Chief or General for each County. County Armagh elected Sir Nicholas Acheson, Captains Pointz and Middleton, and in conjuction with County Monaghan commissioned Lord Blaney to be their Commander-in Chief. Captain Pointz was elected to the supreme Council of Ulster. Rev. Christopher Jenny M.A., rector of Mullaghbrack was "at the Siege of Londonderry as Captain and Chaplain in Col. Monroe's Regiment".

In May 1689, we discover that among the closing acts of Parliament was one for "the attainder of divers and for preserving the interests of loyal subjects", among those accused of treason and formally proscribed were Sir Nicholas Acheson, Rev. Christopher Jenny of Mullaghbrack, Robert Fenly of Hamiltonsbawn, Thomas Ball, John Ball and Charles Pointz of Glassdrummond, Archibald Woods of Markethill and Archibald Johnston of Loughgilly.

On Saturday, 14th. June 1690, William, Prince of Orange landed at Carrickfergus. A few days later, he began his march to meet James in battle, and so on 1st. July they met at the Boyne.