Prof Eugene Costello is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Early Modern History to join his ERC project, 'DeepCattle: The Deep History of Commercial Cattle Farming in Europe, c.1240-1840'. The successful candidate will work with Prof Costello and the rest of the DeepCattle team to examine changes in farming practices, landholding and trade associated with the commercialisation of cattle farming, with a focus on early modern Scotland and Ireland (c.1450-1700). 

New Paperback Edition During the 16th century Ireland was dominated by a handful of great feudal dynasties controlling entire regions of the country by ancestral descent and military might. It is generally recognised that by the beginning of the 17th century several of these dynasties had collapsed, forced into rebellion and exile by the re-emerging power of the English monarchy. This book tells a contrasting story of the Butlers, earls of Ormond, a dynasty that managed not only to survive but to profit from the growth of English royal power. Preferring to collaborate with the monarchy rather than resist it, the Butler earls reaped great benefits from royal favour, gaining grants of land and office and securing a lasting influence over the implementation of crown policy in Ireland. As their national status grew so they increased their power-base in Co. Kilkenny, developing stronger patron-client ties with many of the local Old English and Gaelic gentry.

Hiram Morgan from the School of History and Ciara Chambers from the Department of Film and Media recently put on a free public screening of The Mission for its 40th anniversary. This awarding-winning historical epic about religion, power and colonialism was set in South America and starred Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons and Ray McAnally.  David Puttnam, the film’s producer, was present and answered questions afterwards regaling an attentive audience with many stories. These included the assistance received from indigenous peoples, the antics of an Irish stuntman and how Italian composer Ennio Morricone was recruited to create his famous score for the movie.