On July 26, 1869, the Irish Church Act received Royal Assent, leading to the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland. This pivotal legislative act separated the Church of Ireland from the Church of England, ending its status as the state church in Ireland. It was a significant step in dismantling the Protestant Ascendancy, which had dominated Irish society for centuries. The act also meant the Church of Ireland could no longer collect tithes from the populace and its bishops ceased to be Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords.
