Civil war Quote by Ronald Hutton
“What is unique about Drogheda is the very large number of Protestants in the garrison and the fact that it's commanded, by and large, by Englishmen, who have come over from the English Civil War and are fighting in Ireland, and Cromwell is extraordinarily savage against these... Drogheda, after all, was a Protestant”
About This Quote
Source Historical: The Siege of Drogheda, 1649, by Cromwell
The quote highlights the predominance of English Protestant soldiers in Drogheda’s garrison during the 1649 siege, emphasizing their Civil War background and Cromwell’s harsh tactics.
In simple terms: Drogheda’s garrison was mainly English Protestants, and Cromwell was brutal.
Recognize how religious and national identities shape conflict.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- military history
- colonial studies
- religious conflict
- Cromwellian campaigns
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How did local Irish populations view the English garrison?
- What other factors influenced Cromwell’s policies?
The quote may oversimplify complex local loyalties and motivations beyond religion.