[Home] [Introduction] [Family Gateway] [South Armagh] [County Down] [Song and Story] [Local News] [Site Map] [Sign our Guest Book] [Links] [What's New?]

THOMAS RUSSELL AND COUNTY DOWN
THE BI-CENTERARY OF THE 1803 REBELLION



This year - 2003 - is the bi-centerary of Robert Emmett's Rebellion. Thomas Russell, one of the signatories of the Declaration of the United Irishmen in 1791 was given the task of raising the North. Russell had played no part in the 1798 Rebellion as he had been imprisoned, without trial, between 1796 and 1802, first in Newgate Prison in Dublin and later in Fort George near Inverness. His mission was unsuccessful since during his absence the consequences of the Rebellion and the Act of Union in 1800 had changed perspectives and attitudes among Northern Presbyterians who had been the main supporters of the United Irishmen. Attempting to rescue Robert Emmett Russell was captured, taken to Downpatrick Gaol, tried, convicted of Treason and executed on 21 October 1803. He is buried in St Margaret's Churchyard at the foot of English Street.

Down Museum (which occupies the site of the former gaol), is mounting a series of Events during 2003 to "explore Russell's life and times and to encourage discussion and debate of a period in history which still has resonance for us today."

The programme was formally launched on 29th January with a lecture by James Quinn of the Royal Irish Acadamy. The other planned events are -

Date Event Time Admission
13th March Strategy and Tactics of the Rising of 1803
Lecture by Ruan O'Donnell
7:30pm Free
4th and 5th May Russell's Last Days, Living Memory 1pm to 5pm Free
7th June Thomas Russell, The Real Man from God Knows Where
One Day Conference
10am to 4pm Contact Museum for details
21 June Bus Tour of local sites associated with Russell Departing 2pm £3
26 July Bus Tour of local sites associated with Russell Departing 2pm £3
16th and 17th August Russell's Last Days, Living Memory 1pm to 5pm Free
23 August Bus Tour of local sites associated with Russell Departing 2pm £3
28th and 29th August The Final Words of Thomas Russell (Play) 7:30pm £4/Conc.£3
19 September The Final Words of Thomas Russell (Play) 7:30pm £4/Conc.£3
18th and 19th October Russell's Last Days, Living Memory 1pm to 5pm Free
21st October Lecture by Marianne Elliott
Anniversary of Russell's execution
7:30pm Free

Contact the Museum at: Telephone: 028 4461 5218, or Museum@downdc.gov.uk

Click here for Down County Museum or Thomas Russell