Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-1891) – Brady-Handy photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
Charles Stewart Parnell, born in 1846 at Avondale, County Wicklow, Ireland, emerged as a prominent figure in the late 19th-century struggle for Irish Home Rule. His political journey was marked by both triumphs and personal scandals.
Parnell was brought up in an Anglo-Irish Protestant landowning family, and despite his privileged education, which included time at Cambridge, Parnell’s dissatisfaction with British institutions led him to pursue a political career advocating for Irish autonomy.
Parnell was elected to the British Parliament in 1875, quickly distinguishing himself through his commitment to Irish nationalist causes. He aligned with the Home Rule League and later the Land League, advocating for agrarian reform and resisting evictions. Parnell’s charismatic leadership and parliamentary tactics garnered widespread attention, making him a central figure in Irish politics by his early thirties.
The cause of Ireland. Ireland, ca. 1881. Boston, Mass.: Published by T.B. Noonan & Co., 17, 19, 21 Boylston St., May 25. Retrieved from the Library of Congress.
Parnell’s arrest in 1881 during a period of intense agrarian agitation led to the Kilmainham Treaty, which temporarily calmed tensions and solidified his political influence. His adept manoeuvring in British parliamentary politics, including alliances with both Conservatives and Liberals, showcased his strategic prowess.
However, Parnell’s personal life soon overshadowed his political achievements. His long-standing relationship with Katharine O’Shea, the wife of a fellow politician, became public knowledge, leading to a divorce scandal that divided public opinion and fractured his political support.
Katharine Parnell (1845-1921).
Despite initial public support, Parnell’s refusal to step down amid the scandal ultimately led to his downfall. The Irish Parliamentary Party, torn between loyalty to Parnell and the pursuit of Home Rule, eventually abandoned him. His marriage to Mrs O’Shea further alienated Catholic support, and his appeal to revolutionary elements failed to rally the majority.
Charles Stewart Parnell’s Funeral Procession on Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street), Dublin, on 11 October 1891 – The Graphic.
Parnell’s death in October 1891 marked the end of an era in Irish politics. While celebrated by some as a hero, his legacy remains complex, reflecting both his significant contributions to the Home Rule movement and the personal controversies that marred his career.
© Lorna Peel
Dublin, Ireland, June 1891. The Fitzgeralds are eagerly anticipating their summer holiday when Jerry Hawley’s mother dies unexpectedly. While Will travels to London to break the news to his friend, Isobel grapples with shocking incidents at Marianne Pearson’s school, setting off a chain of events that has tragic consequences.
When Margaret Simpson’s illness emerges, it serves as a stark prediction of what lies ahead. Caring for Margaret, both now and in the future, will exact a heavy toll, emotionally and financially. Heartrending decisions loom as Mrs Dawson confronts the possibility of living where she and her ailing daughter are not welcome. Will circumstances force them to take up residence where their presence is met with hostility?
When Jerry fell asleep a short while into the journey, Lillian picked up a periodical, and Will opened The Times. He leafed through the newspaper until a report caught his attention. He read it in dismay, swearing under his breath.
“What is it?” Lillian whispered, and he folded the newspaper as quietly as he could.
“Mr Parnell and Mrs O’Shea have got married,” he replied, and passed the newspaper to her. “In a registrar’s office.”
“Oh.”
“Oh is right,” he replied, grimacing as she read the report. “Mother will not be happy to learn of this.”
“How is your mother?” Lillian inquired, returning the newspaper to him.
“Happier than she has been in many years. She and Bob didn’t want to create problems when there were none, so to be married in a registrar’s office was the solution.”
“How was their marriage received?”
“Inevitably, there was gossip, and some of his and her friends are no longer even acquaintances, but overall, their marriage was taken very well. This, however,” he pointed to the newspaper, “may throw a spanner in the works.”
“What will?” Jerry muttered, opening his eyes, and Will handed him the newspaper. “Oh, good God,” Jerry added as he glanced at the report. “Will, I was delighted when you wrote and told me your mother had found happiness again, and I will meet Dr O’Brien while we are in Dublin.”
“Thank you. Theirs is certainly an unorthodox marriage, but they are happy, and we are all happy as a result.”
“What is your opinion on Mr Parnell?” Lillian inquired, and Will sighed.
“I’m in two minds about him. He seems to be as stubborn as I am, but for him to declare his private life is his own concern was naïve because too many people love a scandal. The O’Shea divorce case was covered in minute detail in all the newspapers – and it was gossiped about just as meticulously.”
“You’re right. I read hundreds of column inches reporting on the divorce,” she admitted.
“We all did,” he replied with a little smile.
“Do you want Home Rule for Ireland?” Jerry asked curiously.
“I’m in two minds about it, too. Mr Gladstone won’t do business with an adulterer and won’t introduce another Home Rule Bill until Mr Parnell resigns. The Irish Parliamentary Party has split into two factions – one is fiercely upholding Mr Parnell’s right to remain leader – and the other is demanding he resign. Dublin is loyal to Mr Parnell, but the rest of Ireland is not, and many Catholic priests are urging their congregations to vote for anti-Parnell candidates in upcoming by-elections. If Mr Parnell remains as leader, Ireland will descend into even more chaos and violence. If he doesn’t resign, this chance of achieving Home Rule legislatively will be lost.”
“But?” Jerry prompted, and he grimaced.
“If Mr Parnell resigns – and if Mr Gladstone keeps his word and introduces another Home Rule Bill – and if it is passed in the House of Commons – and if it is passed in the House of Lords – what then? I’m wary of what Home Rule will bring to the fore – the influence of the Catholic Church – Ireland’s inability to support herself – I can’t help but be worried.”
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