Today In History

Dublin-born cleric and scholar Archbishop James Ussher died on this day in 1656. His treatise on chronology--based on an intricate correlation of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean history, combined with Holy texts--was held in high regard for some time after his death. In his chronology, Ussher concluded that the first day of creation was Sunday, October 23, 4004 BC, and that … [Read more...] about March 21, 1656

Oliver Cromwell was made Lord Protector of Ireland on this date in 1653. Following the English Civil War, his victory in overthrowing the Stuart monarchy and the execution of King James I, English Parliament declared Cromwell "Lord Protector" in England's first attempt at a state ruled government. He held this position for five years (1653-58) of the eleven years in which … [Read more...] about December 16, 1653

James Butler, the 1st Duke of Ormond, was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by King Charles I on this day in 1643. While leading the fight against the Irish Catholic Confederation during the Irish Confederate War, Butler commanded forces at the Battle of Kilrush and won. As Lord Lieutenant, he became the executive head of the Irish government. While in government, he … [Read more...] about November 13, 1643

The Irish College was founded in Rome on this day in 1628. Officially known as the Pontifical Irish College, it was established in order to further prepare priests for the Irish mission. There was already several colleges in existence at the time of the establishment of the Pontifical Irish College. The first two were set up in Spain in the 1580s, with some to follow in France … [Read more...] about November 6, 1628

Irish Jesuit educator Richard Archdekin was born in Kilkenny on this day in 1618, to parents Nicholas Archdekin and Ann Sherlock. He first studied the classics and philosophy before moving to Louvain. There, he became a student of Theology, entering the Society of Jesus at Mechlin in 1642. For six years, Father Archdekin taught humanities. He went on to become a professor of … [Read more...] about March 16, 1618