Noted for saving Princess Elizabeth "from the rage and fury of her sister Queen Mary by conveying her privately away", in the 1560s he earned her favour after she became Queen Elizabeth, received considerable military rank, and was selected by her to go to Ireland in 1566 [REF].
After the death of O'Neill, Piers proceeded to attempt to limit further Scottish incursions into the north-east and in the spring of 1569 suffered major defeat by 400 Scots in Clandeboye [REF].