In 1607, in the episode known as the Flight of the Earls, Irish leaders Hugh OíNeill, Rory OíDonnell, Cuchonacht Maguire and their followers had departed for the continent, fearing further losses. The government of Ireland declared their flight treasonous and confiscated their lands. OíDohertyís rebellion served to confirm the decision to proceed with the Plantation of Ulster.
This British colonization of the escheated lands envisaged granting lands to different categories of grantees. These included, Undertakers, the chief planters, servitors, who were civil and military servants of the crown in Ireland and natives, rewarded for their loyalty. English and Scottish undertakers were given the responsibility of attracting protestant settlers from their respective countries thereby ensuring the protection of British interests.