Use and misuse of the 1641 depositions

Abstract

This research is a conceptual study of the historical, historiographical and contemporary useof the 1641 depositions. It is aimed primarily at improving accessibility and raisingawareness of the depositions through appreciation of the context in which they emerged. Toachieve this objective it is necessary to address the controversy and debate which hassurrounded the deposition evidence since their collation in the seventeenth century. Thisdebate focuses on the nature and substance of the depositions, the legitimacy of evidence andthe circumstances and purposes for which it was obtained. By demonstrating the manner inwhich the evidence was subsumed by a fictional historical narrative attached to it concerningthe alleged massacres of the 1641 rebellion, this research will attempt to explore and furtherunderstand the myth and memory which have enveloped these sources. Additionally, byaddressing key issues pertaining to the use and subsequent misuse of evidence, for example,within the historiographical debate or as a premise for ethnic and political identification, thisstudy will add to the variety of contemporary analysis which continues to chip away years ofambiguity that have characterised and clouded these important sources. This research willreflect thematically on the facets of conflict and rebellion by disseminating individualperception and interpretation of the events as detailed in the depositions while seeking toclarify the significance of massacre and its manifestation in the form of atrocity propaganda.By this means, further application of these demanding sources will be defined while raisingthe profile of the depositions as an integral source for seventeenth century historical, social,cultural and political history.

Date of Award	Oct 2012
Original language	English
Sponsors	Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland
Supervisor	William Kelly (Supervisor) & James Loughlin (Supervisor)