General Pierce de Lacy returned to Ireland.

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Posted to de Lacy Chronicles Facebook 19th Oct 2021

General Pierce de Lacy returned to Ireland. King James II finally came to the throne on February 6, 1685; it seemed likely that the strong support of the Anglicans would make him one of the most powerful of the 17th-century British kings. Roman Catholics were admitted to the Privy Council and subsequently to the high offices of state. While still a Colonel, Peirce de Lacy had been sent into exile by the English. As a General in the original French Irish Brigade, Pierce recognised that this was the right time to return from exile in France. He made an unsuccessful petition for the restoration of de Lacy estates in Limerick. He was facing accusations that it involved him in a plot to annex Ireland from England and then re-annexe it to France. His claim was denied, and a counterclaim had been issued against him. Thankfully, his long service and reputation saved him. On February 12, 1689, the Convention Parliament declared that James had abdicated and offered the British crown to William and Mary. In July, William (of Orange) arrived in Ireland with a large army facing and conquering James at the battle of the Boyne.