Plundering Time (jan 1, 1644 – jan 1, 1646)
Description:
A period of near-anarchy in Maryland wrought by internal conflict. There were already rising tensions between the Protestants and Catholics in the colony, compounded by the English Civil War. Protestants tended to be Parliamentarian, while most Catholics supported the King. Protestant planters led by William Claiborne made moves to take power from the Catholic elites. In 1644, Claiborne attacked and captured Kent Island, which housed a trading post. The same year, Claiborne's partner Captain Richard Ingle captured St. Mary's City, the capital of Maryland. Protestant pirates began attacking those who did not swear allegiance to Parliament, usually Catholics. Maryland Proprietor Cecilius Calvert was intimidated into fleeing to Virginia.
The rebellion was crushed by Maryland Governor Lord Baltimore in 1647. To appease the Protestants, Calvert appointed a Protestant governor and invited persecuted refugees from Virginia. The Maryland assembly also passed An Act Concerning Religion, outlawing discrimination against Protestants.
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