Traditionally the Baltinglass rebellion was seen as a Catholic crusade led by a zealous but misguided idealist. This was based on the view that James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass 111, was motivated by religious fervour and was prepared to risk his position as a privileged member of the Pale elite in pursuit of his goal - the restoration of the lawful practice of Catholicism in Ireland. More recently the reason for Eustace's uprising has been subjected to Scrutiny in the light of developments in Irish Tudor historiography, resulting in the modification of the view of the accepted interpretation that the viscount was solely impelled by credal conviction. The possibility of his representing the economic ans social grievances of his social order has been posited. As a prelude to this study of the background, course and results of the Baltinglass rebellion, it may be appropriate to survey briefly the historiographical tradition relating to the rebellion in some detail and also to comment briefly on the nature of the source-material which is available for such an investigation.