Thomas Raven’s map of the county of Londonderry, 1622, showing how the land in the plantation of Co. Londonderry was divided
Thomas Raven’s map is a primary source for the plantations of Derry/Londonderry because it was drawn at the time. He was given the job of drawing a map to show the layout of the plantation.
This map is very useful for studying the Plantation of Derry/ Londonderry. l It gives the names of the London merchant guilds who got the land.
l It shows forts and castles. l It shows the location of Londonderry, Coleraine and Strabane. l It shows the geography of other places in Ulster at the time.
How successful was the Plantation?
From the point of view of the English Government, the Ulster Plantation was more successful than the plantations of Laois-Offaly or Munster.
(i) It increased the influence of English law, the English language and English farming methods (growing crops in fields) in Ulster.
(ii) It ensured a loyal population. (iii)It spread the Protestant religion.
1. Name two of the London merchant companies given land in Co. Londonderry.
2. What other two counties are named on the map?
3. Does the map help with explaining how the Ulster Plantation influenced identity? Explain your answer.