History
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1659 | 6,748 | — |
| 1821 | 197,427 | +2825.7% |
| 1831 | 220,134 | +11.5% |
| 1841 | 232,393 | +5.6% |
| 1851 | 196,084 | −15.6% |
| 1861 | 190,086 | −3.1% |
| 1871 | 179,260 | −5.7% |
| 1881 | 163,177 | −9.0% |
| 1891 | 143,289 | −12.2% |
| 1901 | 125,392 | −12.5% |
| 1911 | 120,291 | −4.1% |
| 1926 | 110,070 | −8.5% |
| 1937 | 108,815 | −1.1% |
| 1951 | 114,154 | +4.9% |
| 1961 | 117,594 | +3.0% |
| 1966 | 125,164 | +6.4% |
| 1971 | 133,969 | +7.0% |
| 1981 | 133,230 | −0.6% |
| 1991 | 141,585 | +6.3% |
| 2001 | 162,957 | +15.1% |
Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid (also known as Voluntii, Ultonians, Ulidians, Ulstermen) before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha (or Navan Fort) near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha. The Red Branch play an important role in the Ulster Cycle, as well as the Cattle Raid of Cooley. However, they were eventually driven out of the area by the Three Collas, who invaded in the 4th century and held power until the 12th. The Clan Colla ruled the area known as Airghialla or Oriel for these 800 years.
The chief Irish septs of the county were descendants of the Collas, the O'Hanlons and MacCanns, and the Ui Neill, the O'Neills of Fews. Armagh was divided into several baronies: Armagh was held by the O'Rogans, Lower Fews was held by O'Neill of the Fews, and Upper Fews were under governance of the O'Larkins, who were later displaced by the MacCanns. Oneilland East was the territory of the O'Garveys, who were also displaced by the MacCanns. Oneilland West, like Oneilland East, was once O'Neill territory, until it was then held by the MacCanns, who were Lords of Clanbrassil. Upper and Lower Orior were O'Hanlon territory. Tiranny was ruled by Ronaghan. Miscellaneous tracts of land were ruled by O'Kelaghan.
Armagh was the seat of St. Patrick, and the Catholic Church continues to be his see. County Armagh is one of four counties of Northern Ireland to presently have a majority of the population from a Catholic background, according to the 2001 census.
Read more about this topic: History Of County Armagh
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“American time has stretched around the world. It has become the dominant tempo of modern history, especially of the history of Europe.”
—Harold Rosenberg (1906–1978)
“Modern Western thought will pass into history and be incorporated in it, will have its influence and its place, just as our body will pass into the composition of grass, of sheep, of cutlets, and of men. We do not like that kind of immortality, but what is to be done about it?”
—Alexander Herzen (1812–1870)
“History has neither the venerableness of antiquity, nor the freshness of the modern. It does as if it would go to the beginning of things, which natural history might with reason assume to do; but consider the Universal History, and then tell us,—when did burdock and plantain sprout first?”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)