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United Irishmen 1803
Following the military failure of the rising of 1798, plans were formulated to set about organising a second insurrection by the United Irishmen. Out of this insurrection emerged the iconic figure of Robert Emmet, the man chosen to lead the revolt. The conspirators’ plans were both complex and ambitious. The signal for the country to rise was to be the capture of Dublin. This was to be achieved by the use of modern methods of warfare which Emmet had spent some time studying. Had the carefully laid plans for a full-scale rising not unravelled, Emmet would have been able to use these modern methods in the battle with devastating effect.

A proclamation was drawn up under the name of the ‘Provisional Government of Ireland’. This document reaffirmed the radical philosophy of the United Irishmen. In analysing this proclamation, Connolly stated that ‘two things are thus established - viz. that Emmet believed the ‘national will’ was superior to property rights, and could abolish them at will; and also that he realised that the producing classes could not be expected to rally to the revolution unless given to understand that it meant their freedom from social as well as political bondage.'

On the day, however, the plans failed to materialise and the ambitious revolt was quickly suppressed. Robert Emmet managed to escape to refuge in Rathfarnham in south County Dublin. At this stage it would have been quite possible for Emmet to leave the country and evade capture. However, due to his relationship with a young woman, Sarah Curran, he remained. Eventually, Emmet was captured and soon after was removed to Kilmainham Gaol. His trial took place in Dublin's Green Street Courthouse on September 19th, 1803. It was during these proceedings that one of the most famous public articulations of the United Irishmen's radical philosophy was heard. Emmet's magnificent speech from the dock has echoed down through the centuries. He concluded his defence by stating "When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then, and not till then, let my epitaph be written".

Please click on the links below to access documents related to this topic

Robert Emmet's Speech From The Dock // 774kb

1803 Proclamation // 665kb