The story of the Manchester Martyrs, William Philip Allen, Michael Larkin, and Michael O’Brien, is a poignant chapter in the annals of Irish history. Their brief and tragic involvement in the struggle for Irish independence left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the Irish people. Against the backdrop of the 19th-century conflict between Irish nationalists and British authorities, the martyrdom of these three revolutionaries ignited the flames of Irish rebellion and served as a rallying cry for generations of nationalists. This article explores the historical context, the events leading to their arrest and execution, and the enduring legacy of the Manchester Martyrs in the broader struggle for Irish freedom.
The Irish Republican Brotherhood and Rising Nationalist Sentiment
The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), commonly known as the Fenians, played a pivotal role in the Irish struggle for independence. Founded in 1858, the IRB’s primary objective was to establish an independent Irish Republic. The organization had members in both Ireland and expatriate Irish communities worldwide, and it embraced revolutionary tactics in its pursuit of this goal. The mid to late 19th century was a period of growing anti-British sentiment in Ireland, driven by historical grievances and an increasing sense of political urgency.
Background to the Fenian Movement
The roots of Irish discontent can be traced back to centuries of British rule, which had systematically marginalized the Irish Catholic population. Land dispossession, discrimination, and religious conflicts had deepened the divisions between the Irish and their British rulers. The Great Famine of the 1840s, which resulted in the deaths of over a million people and the emigration of countless others, further exacerbated these tensions.
The Irish diaspora, particularly in the United States, provided fertile ground for the Fenian movement. Irish immigrants, often carrying the bitterness of their homeland’s suffering, joined Fenian circles and provided financial support for the cause. The Fenians aimed to harness this widespread discontent and channel it into a concerted struggle for Irish independence.
Rising Nationalism and Political Urgency
The 1860s marked a period of heightened political activism and agitation in Ireland. The Fenians, with their clandestine activities and revolutionary agenda, were at the forefront of this movement. They sought to provoke a confrontation with British authorities and believed that armed resistance was the path to liberation.
Irish grievances were further stoked by the series of Coercion Acts enacted by the British government, which aimed to suppress dissent and curb nationalist activities. The arrest and imprisonment of Fenian leaders only served to intensify the resolve of the movement. In this charged atmosphere, the events leading to the Manchester Martyrs’ involvement unfolded.
The Events Leading to the Manchester Rescue Attempt
The Arrest of Thomas J. Kelly and Timothy Deasy
The Manchester rescue attempt that led to the arrest and subsequent execution of Allen, Larkin, and O’Brien was set in motion by the arrest of two prominent Fenians, Thomas J. Kelly and Timothy Deasy. They had been detained on charges of conspiracy and incitement to treason, which carried the potential for severe penalties, including execution.
The Planned Rescue
The Fenians in Manchester, aware of the importance of rescuing their comrades, meticulously planned the operation. On September 18, 1867, a horse-drawn police van was to transport Kelly and Deasy from the courthouse to the prison in the Manchester suburb of Ancoats. The Fenians, armed and organized, gathered at strategic points along the route, preparing to intercept the van.
The choice of Ancoats for the rescue attempt was deliberate. The Manchester Fenians possessed inside information about the van’s movements, allowing them to coordinate their actions effectively. The stage was set for a dramatic and audacious rescue.
The Rescue Attempt
As the police van approached Ancoats, the Fenians sprang into action. They attacked the vehicle, overwhelming the police guards. During the chaotic confrontation, Fenian Peter Rice fired a revolver at the lock on the van’s door in an attempt to free Kelly and Deasy. Tragically, the bullet ricocheted inside the van, fatally wounding Sergeant Charles Brett, one of the police officers on board.
Despite the unintended fatality, the rescue attempt succeeded, and Kelly and Deasy were liberated. They subsequently escaped to the United States. However, the British authorities were determined to bring those responsible for Sergeant Brett’s death to justice.
The Arrest of Allen, Larkin, and O’Brien
In the aftermath of the rescue attempt, a number of Fenians managed to evade capture. However, others, including William Philip Allen, Michael Larkin, and Michael O’Brien, were swiftly apprehended. The British government understood the gravity of the situation and believed that decisive and punitive action was necessary to quell the growing Irish nationalist threat.
The Trial and Execution of the Manchester Martyrs
The Murder Charges
The three Irishmen, Allen, Larkin, and O’Brien, were charged with murder in connection with the death of Sergeant Brett. The trial that followed was highly publicized and attracted significant attention both in Britain and abroad. It became a focal point for discussions about the Irish question and the broader issue of British rule in Ireland.
Discrepancies in Witness Testimonies
The trial of the Manchester Martyrs was not without its controversies. Several discrepancies emerged in key witness testimonies, raising questions about the veracity of the charges. Some witnesses claimed to have seen Allen, Larkin, and O’Brien at the scene, while others provided conflicting accounts. Despite these inconsistencies, the authorities pressed ahead with the case.
Pleas for Clemency
The impending execution of the three Irishmen elicited pleas for clemency from various quarters. Prominent politicians, intellectuals, and public figures appealed to the British government to spare their lives. These appeals argued that the circumstances surrounding the case were far from clear-cut and that executing the men would only serve to further inflame nationalist sentiment.
Sentencing and Execution
Despite the calls for leniency, the British authorities were resolute. On November 23, 1867, William Philip Allen, Michael Larkin, and Michael O’Brien faced their fates at Salford Jail, Manchester. In a final testament to their courage and commitment, all three men reportedly met their end “like soldiers on parade.”
The scenes that unfolded at the execution were harrowing. A botched hanging saw the men endure an unusually long and painful death, a gruesome spectacle that shocked onlookers and further fueled the flames of Irish nationalist outrage.
The Legacy of the Manchester Martyrs
Immediate Impact
In the immediate aftermath of the executions, the Manchester Martyrs were lionized in numerous nationalist songs and poems. Their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the cause of Irish independence became a powerful symbol for Irish nationalists. Their story resonated not only in Ireland but also among Irish communities in the United States and elsewhere.
A Symbol of Irish Struggle
The Manchester Martyrs became emblematic of the broader Irish struggle for independence. Their willingness to sacrifice their lives for the cause inspired countless individuals to join the nationalist movement. Their names and deeds were invoked in speeches, writings, and gatherings, galvanizing support for Irish republicanism.
Cultural Representations
The legacy of the Manchester Martyrs found expression in various forms of cultural representation. Their story was immortalized in literature, music, and art. The romanticized image of the brave Irishmen facing the gallows contributed to the mythos of the Irish rebels, further fueling the desire for independence.
Influence on Future Generations
The Manchester Martyrs left an indelible mark on Irish history and politics. Their story served as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of Irish freedom. This influence can be seen in the events that followed in the 20th century.
The Road to Independence
The Easter Rising of 1916
The sacrifice of the Manchester Martyrs continued to inspire subsequent generations of Irish nationalists. In 1916, during World War I, a group of Irish republicans staged the Easter Rising in Dublin. This armed rebellion aimed to establish an independent Irish republic. While the Easter Rising initially met with military failure and harsh repression by British forces, it served as a catalyst for renewed nationalist fervor.
The leaders of the Easter Rising, many of whom were executed by firing squad, became modern-day martyrs in the struggle for Irish independence. The Easter Rising rekindled the flame of resistance and signaled a turning point in the Irish struggle, setting the stage for further political developments.
The Irish Free State and Republic of Ireland
The subsequent years saw significant political changes. Following the War of Independence (1919-1921) and the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, the Irish Free State was established in 1922. This marked a significant step toward self-governance, although it remained within the British Commonwealth. In 1949, the Free State formally declared itself the Republic of Ireland, severing its last constitutional ties with Britain.
The Irish Republic, as it stands today, represents the culmination of generations of struggle for independence. The sacrifices of the Manchester Martyrs, along with those of countless others who fought and died for Irish freedom, played a crucial role in shaping the course of Irish history.
Symbols Of Courage
William Philip Allen
The Manchester Martyrs, William Philip Allen, Michael Larkin, and Michael O’Brien, were emblematic of the spirit of Irish nationalism in the 19th century. Their tragic involvement in the rescue attempt and subsequent execution left an enduring legacy that transcended their individual actions. They became symbols of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the cause of Irish independence.
Michael Allen
Their story ignited the flames of Irish rebellion and served as a rallying cry for generations of nationalists to come. From the Fenian movement to the Easter Rising and the eventual establishment of the Irish Republic, the Manchester Martyrs’ sacrifice resonated deeply with the Irish people and influenced the course of Irish history.
Capt. Michael O’Brien
In commemorating the Manchester Martyrs, we not only remember their personal sacrifices but also acknowledge the broader struggle for justice, equality, and self-determination. Their memory lives on as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the pursuit of freedom against all odds.
MANCHESTER COURIER – MONDAY 06 AUGUST 1900
