Page "Limerick" Paragraph 6

During the civil wars of the 17th century the city played a pivotal role, besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1651 and twice by the Williamites in the 1690s.

The Treaty of Limerick ended the Williamite war in Ireland which was fought between supporters of the Catholic King James II ( Jacobites ) and the Protestant King William of Orange ( Williamites ).

The treaty offered toleration to Catholicism and full legal rights to Catholics that swore an oath of loyalty to William and Mary.

The Treaty was of national significance as it ensured closer British and Protestant dominance over Ireland.

The articles of the Treaty protecting Catholic rights were not passed by the Protestant Irish Parliament but rather updated the Penal Laws against Catholics which had major implications for Irish history.

Reputedly the Treaty was signed on the Treaty Stone, an irregular block of limestone which once served as a mounting block for horses.

This stone is now displayed on a pedestal at Clancy Strand.

Because of the treaty, Limerick is sometimes known as the Treaty City.

This turbulent period earned the city its motto: Urbs antiqua fuit studisque asperrima belli ( An ancient city well studied in the arts of war ).