he Brunswick Clubs or Eligibility depended on, if rules were Brunswick 'constitutional' adhered to, (and in Limerick they were Clubs formed the nucleus not!) holding property to the value of at of an ultimately doomed least 40 shillings. In May 1828 Daniel campaign to deny Catholics plight. Daniel O'Connell and the Catholic O'Connell defeated the pro-emancipation, the right to enter both houses of the Association, founded in 1823, filled this Protestant landlord, Vesey Fitzgerald, in a British parliament. Numbering roughly chasm.3 Its mission was to agitate for an Clare by-election, but was unable to take 200 clubs and claiming 150,000 members, expansion of civic rights for Catholics, his seat due to the oath.5 the Brunswicks had a short lifespan. Born both social and political, which would The Duke of Wellington's Tory in September 1828 when the Catholic eventually result in an improved economic government was pragmatic regarding the legislation was proposed, they theoretic- position for the bulk of the population. growing distress in Ireland. On a prag- ally continued until December 1829. The right for Catholics to sit as MPS matic level Britain was tired of an eternally However, once the bill was passed with a and enter the House of Lords was a pivotal troublesome Ireland. British army troops large majority in March 1829, they were in first step, giving them a role in the were already stationed in Ireland and effect dead. The Clubs sought to unite running of their country, from which at further coercion would have been an Protestants as a pressure group, were imperial level they were totally excluded, increased drain of both manpower and ambiguous towards physical force and despite forming a clear majority of its money.6 On a human level the Irish-born hoped to somehow force parliament or p~pulation.~It is important to note that Prime Minister realised that the suffering King George TV to abort the constitutional Catholics already possessed the theoret- amongst Catholics was real. "There can be amendments. The Clubs, though certainly ical right to sit as MPS, but that's all it was, no doubt that evils arising from mis- a major feature on the political landscape, theoretical. A Catholic was entitled to government do exist in that country, to a never became the populist Protestant stand for election, and even be elected, but degree unparalleled in the history of any movement which they sought to be. in order to physically walk through the civilised country and I know of no remedy However, it is unlikely, even with doors of either House one had to take the but that extremity which I adverted to on a Protestant unity, that the Brunswicks Oath of Supremacy. This oath required former occasion, or to the measure we are would have had any real prospects. There one to swear to almighty God that the now about to ~arry."~The measure to was a clear majority in both houses in Imperial Monarch, in this case King which the Duke alluded was that which favour and, with no election until 1830, it is George IV, was the head of the Church. popularly became known as Catholic likely that their cause was beyond hope. Perhaps in today's largely secular Ireland Emancipation. The Oath of Supremacy The 'Brunswick Tree' had many leafy individuals may be prepared to swallow was to be repealed and Catholics were to branches; it even made a lot of noise such words, whether they believe in them be admitted to both houses. Wellington during the storm but ultimately bore no or not. However, 19th century Ireland was was optimistic that it could bring "tran- fruit.' a pious, God fearing place and Catholics quillity." "It was essential however that the Ireland had been relatively tranquil believed that eternal damnation would be government respond to this distressing during first decade after the Act of Uni~n.~ their only reward if they perjured them- state of affairs; and the remedy could only However, stability and Ireland are not selves in this manner. Some Catholics be to concede Emancipation, since there natural friends and they inevitably began a could vote, however. Electoral franchise was now a dangerous agitation in Ireland slow farewell during the next ten years. was not universal amongst any denomin- on its behalf and a majority in the British Economic conditions began to decline due ation, Anglican, Dissenter or Catholic. parliament in its favour."8 The Emanci- to a succession of poor harvests. Also, pation Bill was proposed in autumn 1828 ironically, the actual end of the Napoleonic and brought before parliament in March Wars led to a diminished market for both 1829.9 J.C. Beckett doubts whether agricultural and non-agricultural output. Wellington was truly compassionate, Hardship grew and thus also did unrest. believing he was unsympathetic to the Peasant vigilante organisations such as Catholic cause, yielding only because the the Rockites began a campaign of intimi- alternative was anarchy. However, the dation and violence against landowners, Limerick Evening Post and Clare Sentinel causing considerable fear and disruption. (LEPCS) at the time depicted him in The British government was weary of divine colour as one who was driven by a Ireland. The blood of the 1798 rebellion genuine empathy with the Catholic plight, was still fresh in their minds and the war A 'large portion' of Irelands Protestants with France from1793 to 1815 had been a was now extremely worried. The long one. Catholics were dispropor- Protestant cum Anglican Ascendancy tionately at the lower end of the economic governed Ireland, which was then only a scale and they suffered most. A political province of the United Kingdom. They and even a military vacuum existed. saw themselves as the Nation, a Protestant Catholicism needed a strong political Medallic portrait of the Duke of nation.1° There were no Catholic MPS, (in movement which could fight for an Wellington c.1814. Carrol Collection fact, Protestant Dissenters were also improvement of its social and economic (Limerick Museum) excluded from parliament until 1828). Few Catholics had any significant role in local hand, they sought to force the government of the proposed association was to government.ll In addition, the Church of to abandon its own legislation through maintain Protestant Ascendancy in church Ireland was the established Church and force, on the other hand they saw them- and state."20 "The attainment of political benefited from the Tithe, which Catholics selves as helping it! The struggle was power by Roman Catholics is inconsistent indignantly paid for its maintenance.12 uphill and very steep. It is likely that they with the maintenance of the constitution Being a clear numerical minority, it was must have realised this. However, in order and the welfare of the church." According only possible for the Anglican Ascendancy to have any chance, an organisation was to the Rev. Josiah Crampton: "In conseq- to maintain its position by excluding needed that could unite all Irish uence of the profession he followed he Catholics politically. Protestants. The Orange Order had been would not thus publicly come forward, Thus Catholic Emancipation had the censored in 1825 and lacked respect- whatever his private opinions, if his potential to completely dismantle their ability.13 A new association was conceived Roman Catholic friends had confined . position of dominance, though only in the which could achieve the forementioned themselves to seeking their political'f long term and not immediately, as feared. objective. Its name was the Brunswick freedom alone, but when he found them If Catholics could sit as MPS they then Constitutional Club. The Brunswick Club openly attack the Protestant Constitution had the potential to form a power block of Ireland first met in Morrisson's rooms, and religion of the state, he came forward within parliament and influence, if not Dublin, on 15 August 1828, with the Earl as evelyone was bound to."21 participate in, government itself. If of Longford as its President.14 According to the Ennis Chronicle and electoral franchise was at some point The term Brunswick derives from the Clare Advertiser, by November 1828 there extended, then, due to weight of numbers, title 'Duke of Brunswick' which was held were 147 'Local' Brunswick Clubs, 27 Catholics would eventually dominate the by George Ludwig, Elector of Hanover. 'County' Brunswick Clubs, the Ulster Irish political landscape and perhaps also Hanover is situated north of Brunswick in Provincial Club, the University Club and impact upon the British one. A chain modern-day Germany. He ascended the most importantly, the Club to which all reaction was about to be set in motion and British throne in 1714 under the name of others sent delegates, namely the the old ascendancy could not survive. This George 1. Thus, although the British royal Brunswick Constitutional Club of Ireland. legislation was believed to be the family held the family name 'Hanover,' There was also 36 English Brunswick beginning of the end. they were often referred to as the 'House Clubs. The above figures are, however, a This analysis was correct, though it of B~unswick'.~~The object of the definite underestimation. 'Local' Clubs took a great deal longer to reach fruition Brunswick Clubs was to defend the existed in Pallaskenry, Kilfinnan and than contemporary scare mongering principles which the House of Brunswick Rathkeale, which do not appear in the list. predicted. Ireland, at least the greater part symbolised. This was an Anglican state, Reports also appeared of meetings in of it, did indeed depart from the Union, safeguarded by an Anglican constitution, Norwich, England, although Norwich is but not until more than a century later. which would preserve the ascendancy of also not listed. (See Appendix 1). However, nearly two hundred years later Anglicans forever. The Brunswick Clubs Although broadly similar in terms of their there is still no sign of a Catholic revol- themselves used the term 'Protestant' in aims and activities, there is little evidence ution or takeover of mainland Britain! order to broaden their appeal, but of coordination between the various The Church of England still exists and Anglican is the more correct term. Until branches. The same newspaper claimed a the monarchy remains an exclusively 1828, Dissenters too were excluded from total membership of 150,000, but the Anglican entity! It is very important to parliament by the Corporation and Test accuracy of this figure is again open to remember that many Irish Protestants did Oaths and in Limerick, at least, their question. Its membership in Limerick, not wish to politically subordinate their presence in local administration was and, it appears, beyond, was predominantly Catholic countrymen. A great many were negligible. The Limerick City Brunswick the Anglican upper classes and clergy. in fact actively opposed to it, even from Club was formed on 7 October 1828.16 Little reference ever appears to lower within the ranks of the ascendancy. There was an annual subscription and order Protestants except for the Palatines, The line between pragmatism and aspiring members were admitted only on who were a major factor in County succumbing to pressure is a blurred one the recommendation of its committee.17 Limerick. That does not mean that lower and never more so than in this case. The mission of the Brunswicks was rank Protestants were not present, but it is Perhaps Catholic emancipation was simple. In order to maintain the so-called definite that the upper ranks were the conceived out of fear or pressure; there 'Protestant' Constitution of the House of leaders. However, many of the Protestant was a bubbling agitation on its behalf. Brunswick, the repeal of the Oath of nobility were also firmly against this Many feel that Wellington and Robert Supremacy had to be aborted. This was troublesome sect. (See Appendix 2) The Peel, his Home Secretary, genuinely their sole objective, to be achieved Clubs only tactic appears to have been believed that emancipation was the correct officially by legal means, though foul gathering as many signatures as possible measure. Wellington's speeches in the methods were also countenanced. opposing Catholic Emancipation, which a House of Lords suggest this. However, Frequently individual Clubs also opposed sitting MP or Peer would present to those opposed to the legislation maligned Catholic relief legislation and a furthering parliament. It was hoped the government his perceived cowardice. They thought of Catholic educational opportunities.18 would be overwhelmed by this display of that government had been coerced by They attempted to cloak their method as public opinion. The Duke of Cumberland Daniel O'Connell's Catholic Association religious - Catholicism was "Against the presented the largest of these to the and its disorderly allies. word of God" and it was thus God's will Lords, the "General Petition of the As Wellington was perceived as a weak that Catholics should remain in perpetual Protestants of Ireland," which allegedly man acting against his conscience for the bondage. Hon. James King considered contained 160,000 signature^.^^ Wellington sake of peace, Protestant opponents felt "the Catholic religion inconsistent with the estimated that over 1000 petitions in total that he needed their help, help to stand up word of God and calculated to prevent the had been received between both houses.23 to Daniel O'Connell. A strong Protestant salvation of men's souls. The religion of This paper is chiefly concerned with body was necessary which could unite Catholics led them into errors and the the Brunswick Clubs in Limerick. Nearly Irish Protestants and fight for the Prime Constitution which it was now attempting fifty names were published as having Minister and King George IV against the to overturn prevented these errors from attended the Brunswick Constitutional Catholic pressure groups. The Prime injuring the comrn~nity."~~The Evangel- Club gatherings in Limerick City, but Minister must be forced by whatever ical movement was a growing one in the there was probably many more. (See means possible to abandon his proposed 1820s, so a small percentage of the Appendix 3) Lord Gort - Colonel Charles constitutional amendment. If the legis- Brunswick membership really did believe Vereker, former MP and Chamberlain of lation was conceived out of agitation then this. However, their motives were in Limerick Corporation - became the it too could be aborted through agitation. reality almost entirely selfish, demonstra- President. It met in the Swinburn Hotel on However, there is a fundamental contra- ted in their openly proclaimed fears of a Brunswick St., now Sarsfield Street. diction in the above objectives. On the one diminution of their own status. "The object However, unity amongst Limerick City Protestants was at this time an impossible task. Limerick City was in the middle of a period of prolonged political conflict, which pitched Protestant against Protes- tant as well as Catholic against Protestant. Protestants themselves were so bitterly divided that many had forged alliances with Catholics against their co-religionists. A pan-Protestant alliance was simply unthinkable. Limerick Corporation, the 'corrupt Corporation,' the most powerful organ of local government, was mono- polised by the Vereker block, a group of Anglican families related through blood and through marriage, led by Lord Gort, President of the Limerick Brunswick Club. They also had a substantial number of allies with whom they shared privileges, including the Massys, Lloyds, Westropps, Maunsells, Gabbetts, Crokers, Watsons and Crips. Most held property in the George's Street, now O'Connell Street, area. These families formed the core membership of the Brunswick Clubs. The parish of St. Michaels/Newtown Pery enjoyed autonomy from the Corporation with its own local government authority, namely 'The Commissioners of the Parish of St. Michaels.' However, the Corporation alone held the power of determining voting rights for all residents of Limerick City at parliamentary elections. It systematically disenfranchised large numbers of leading Anglican as well as Catholic families, mainly from the Newtown Pery area, the most prominent of whom were the Perys, Barringtons, Bourkes and Roches. Freemanship and the accompanying electoral franchise was granted illegally to many non-residents of Limerick, whose only entitlement was friendship with the Vereker block. (See Appendix 4) These would vote for a Vereker block candidate at parliamentary elections, which were themselves a sham. John Tuthill and Thomas Spring Rice, (related to the Pery family), were both The Limerick Hotel, formerly Swinburn's, Sarsfield Street, c.1880 barristers and were two of the chief (Limerick Museum) opponents of the Corporation at both a parliamentary and judicial level. Event- Chtrabirtion of tern ians, which themselves contain several ually the reforming interests did prevail, branche~.~7AllProtestant Churches are in but not until 1840 when the 'old' Corpor- '#rotestarrti some way different from each other. Thus, ation was abolished. Normalisation even The glue with which all Brunswick Clubs how can each be the one true religion then was a slow and bitter process. sought to unite their diverse membership when all are so different? In some cases Thus the corrupt Limerick Corporation was the Protestant religion. According to the theological differences between the formed the core of the Constitutional Club Colonel Connoly (Chairman of Kildare Protestant Churches is greater than in the City. The movement got off to a bad Place Society) in Dublin "It would be between Anglicanism and Catholicism. start. The delegates it sent to the parent inconsistent to have Catholics possessed Protestantism is not a single entity, as the body in Dublin (The Brunswick Constitu- of power in a Protestant state -light and Brunswicks conveniently assert, and to tional Club of Ireland meeting at Rotunda darkness, fire and water, could never co- speak of it as such makes no sense in Dublinz4) were Alderman Andrew exist together'lZ5In Limerick, Michael ideologically or theologically. Protestant- Watson - part owner of the Limerick Bevan addressed his flock with the words: ism was an umbrella term of convenience, Chronicle, a powerful propaganda tool - "Protestants, Brunswickers and Country- a means of broadening their appeal Captain Garnett, G. Hugh Fitzgerald and men -the Star of Brunswick shall not be regardless of how little the term actually Michael Bevan. Not surprisingly, I failed set."26 Catholic doctrine on transub- meant. to uncover any St. Michaels Parish Com- stantiation and the invocation of Saints missioners who joined the Brunswicks. were their most frequently cited heretical (See Appendix 5) This is not to say that St. practices. They believed that Protestant- Michaels Parish Commissioners were ism was the only truth and essential for unanimously pro-Catholic - many definitely salvation. However, the contradiction here A further badge of unity worn was a were, though some were probably not. is fundamental. Protestantism is not savage hatred of the malign Catholic However due to the political situation at uniform in doctrine. It is an umbrella term priesthood and the Pope. The priest was the time, they could not side with their covering a wide variety of sects. The blamed for deliberately keeping his people enemies, regardless of their private largest in Ireland was Anglicanism, but uncivilised and ignorant. The priest opinions. there were also Methodists and Presbyter- himself allegedly knew better, but for his own selfish interest preferred a sub- Certainly the Brunswicks had no official eventual Catholic State and Rome Rule. servient flock whom he could control for paramilitary wing. However, many These fears were plausible. No clear his own self-fattening. This is illustrated by individual members did make direct minority grouping could hope to mono- an extract from the Star of Brunswick reference to the use of arms if required. polise privilege indefinitely. However, newspaper -the Brunswicks own newly- According to Robert Saunders at a realism was disgraced by sensationalism formed propaganda tool. "When we Baltinglass Constitutional Club gathering: and blatant scaremongering. It was contrast the cleanliness, decency and "The Protestants have got an ascendancy alleged that Catholic MPS would event- good habits of the English with the sloth, which was purchased by the blood of our ually lead to Catholic cabinet ministers - grossness and bad habits of the Irish we ancestors and which if necessary must be realistic in the long term. The 'Catholic cannot omit observing that the fault lies preserved by the blood of their descen- rent' would purchase all English boroughs with the Priest who are or ought to be the dants." Henry Westby stated at the same - an absolute fantasy, while the Catholic moral police of the country. The Irish meeting that "the Protestant blood of cabinet ministers would in turn infiltrhe funeral is a scene of drunkenness and riot, Ireland is ready to be shed in defence of the monarchy! Nearly 200 years later, the an English one a scene of decorum, the laws which they respect and the monarchy remains staunchly Anglican! decency and piety. Who is to blame for religion which they re~er".~~Certainly There has certainly been no Catholic this? The Priest who mingles in the unholy militant language, at least, was wide- takeover of Britain! However, Catholic revel and chooses that moment of spread. Emancipation did apply to British unnatural exultation for the collection of There is also some evidence of actual Catholics also and the Brunswicks his tribute money. Why does the Priest physical force at meetings of the Limerick attempted to spread their movement not reform these savage customs? Club. Thomas Steele, a native of Derry- there. Judging by the number of Clubs Because his interest is bound up in their more, Co. Clare, was a Protestant, a and bearing in mind the sheer size of continuance because he subsists by the landlord and a held a Masters degree in mainland Britain, they appear to have utter deprivation of his species and Engineering from Cambridge University. been relatively weak.40 There was to be a because he knows not enough of virtue to Ironically this man was also Vice President Catholic takeover of what became the sacrifice his own views to the good of his of the Catholic Association and President Republic of Ireland, though it was nearly fellow creature^."^^ of the Order of the Liberators. Frequently one hundred years later when it happened The Catholic clergy were also the Catholic Association sent delegates to and it was certainly no immediate danger. frequently accused of weakening the observe the Brunswicks. One night in affectionate bond between landlord and October 1828, Mr. Steele was their tenant, if such a bond ever existed. A so- delegate at the Swinburn Hotel. Once he called "Friend to the Peace" articulates a was spotted, however, the Brunswick Brunswick Clubs were also formed in typical Brunswick viewpoint: "The response was swift. The Mayor of County Limerick, in Rathkeale, Pallas- Catholic clergy in several parts of this Limerick "with violent pressure, pushed kenry and Kilfinane. The bulk of the country are using their influence to him from the table among the crowd - membership in all three was provided by procure the votes of their parishioners as where he was seized upon, and by brute the Palatine community. The surnames of are Freeholders for one of their candidates force violently thrown down stairs." He those who attended (if the LEPCS is at the approaching election (1830) and was verbally ostracised, dubbed "a popish accurate) clearly illustrates this: James what this influence is attempted to be agitator" and a "ruffian".34Steele himself Corneille, John Switzer, Peter Hyphel, exercised, proven in cases where its alleges he heard "cut the rebels breast out Valentine Brithair and Moses S~arling.~~ success would inevitably tend to break the of him" and "murder him". Also, a police- The Palatines were in effect the most intimate and friendly connection which man's bayonet was supposedly drawn and recent planters. Over 3000 arrived in should at all times exist between Landlord the Mayor failed in an attempt to arrest Ireland in 1709 from the Palatine area of and tenant."29 him outside? Soon after Mr. Steele was Germany.42They were Protestants fleeing The Pope, the alleged leader of the honoured by the "Masters and Wardens of persecution and were imported to Catholic Association, was arguably enemy the Congregated Trades of Limerick by strengthen the Protestant interest in number one, vilified in colourful terms. bestowal upon him of "freedom of their County Limerick. The majority of the 3000 Between 1641 and 1643 Irish 'Romanists' several guilds" for.his "manly, indepen- settled in Rathkeale and the surrounding are alleged to have massacred between dent and talented advocacy of the great area. In 1712 Sir Thomas Southwell 300,000 and 400,000 Protestants "For cause of civil and religious liberty"36 granted land to 130 Palatine families at which Te Deum was performed in Saint Such episodes did the Brunswick half the normal rent.43 Their coming was Peters at Rome by the then Pope and cause much harm. Rev. O'Grady, a almost within living memory and must which there is at this moment, a Brunswicker at the forementioned have intensified the already malign feeling triumphant picture on the side wall of the meeting, expressed his outrage at the towards any 'foreign occupier.' Gradually present Popes private chapel (the Sistine) in~ident.3~It also did much to dissuade they adopted the Methodist faith, as their in the Vati~an."~~This is powerful potential recruits. The organisation was own church was not represented in language of indoctrination. Only a very seeming to lack respectability, just as the Ireland. They were to suffer greatly at the strong mind could fail to be moved by Orange Order had previously. The hands of the Rockite movement during the such propaganda. Future generations had Limerick Evening Post and Clare Sentinel depression of 1815. 'Foreigners' were to be alerted to the dangers of Popery, lists a number of Protestants who felt that always the scapegoats when harvest was thus: "An obelist, pyramid, tower, temple, they could not co-operate with the Ennis poor and it was poor again in 1823.44 statue, mausoleum, pillar, caenotaph or Brunswick Robert Ottway Cave, a This group were the subject of column of infamy must be constructed to landlord, refused to sanction his tenants to particularly savage newspaper coverage instruct and warn future generations attend.39 and appear to have been hated even more against those blind slaves of the apostate than the Protestant Ascendancy. A Bishop of Rome."31 Lord Vesey Fitzgerald Rathkeale priest dubbed them "a low set." of Clare summed it up when he posed the The LEPCS further reinforced this view question that "If Catholics are loyal to the dubbing them "swines" (akin to the Pope, how then could they be loyal to a The lifeblood of many political organis- German word 'Schwein,' meaning pig) Protestant Con~titution?"~~ ations is fear, the fear of an impending whom their landlord would chase to the apocalypse. The Ulster Solemn League ballot box like cattle to vote according to and Covenant and "Ulster says no!" were his will. "A set of men who merely breathe political screams of fear by latter day Irish on the will of every Lording, trading their Did the Brunswicks advocate violence as a Protestants. The Brunswicks, their votes and driving to the husting like Swine means of achieving their goals? The ancestors, were born out of sheer terror. to his self fattening trough, would he call answer is that there was much ambiguity. The apocalypse in all cases was an them a high set?"45Perhaps it was this negative relationship with their neigh- no objection to it."sOLord Dun10 in Dublin the heart must display themselves in the bours which led them to seek protection "declared that he was not decidedly sincerity of accordant works!" Brunswicks under the umbrella of the Protestant opposed to some measure of emancipa- "attribute senseless fanatical and wicked Brunswicks; perhaps they were coerced tion, but he would not like to grant it now acts" to "religious doctrine." They are by their landlords as the LEPCS alleges. because it would look like their being mere ''anti-Catholic societies, the true However, it is ironic that as Methodists, intimidated."sl Sir John Ripton "endeav- designation of either orange or black Palatines suffered under much the same oured to cultivate friendship of Roman Brunswicks." ~oliticaldisabilities as Catholics until1828 Catholic Bretheren" "but must now stop "It is assumed to be in the name of and were excluded in practice for many this encroachment and defend the Religion - yes, of the Christian religion, years afterwards. A group which, on the Con~titution."~2The Co. Clare Brunswick which enjoins us to 'love our enemies' and surface, should have had empathy with Club also admitted Protestants who 'do good unto all men"' "Are they to the Catholic cause now actively sought favoured "a well regulated bill for what is dictate what their narrow views, guidefl their subordination. Colonel Rochfort called Emancipation" for the sake of alone by headstrong passions, reckless '~f of Westmeath presented the anti- unity.53 Many Protestants agreed with any interest but their own?" "Ultra loyalty Emancipation petition of the Palatines of Wellington that Emancipation could bring is nothing more than conditional loyalty Pallaskenry to the House of Lords. Those stability and national unity. and selfishness in the extreme." If the in Kilfinane also sent their own anti- Clubs succeeded there could only be "yet Catholic petition.46 In February of 1829, further division - further animosities, the LEPCS also published sparse details of further and more deadly reactions." a 'Grand Petition' of the Protestants of the Many Protestants were actively in favour Catholics support the House of Bruns- City and County of Limerick combined. of the proposed constitutional reform and wick, as do Protestants who signed the Lord Gort was to be 'postman' to the the Brunswicks by no means represented Declaration. He also quoted examples of House of Lords, while George Ogle Moore the entire spectrum of Protestant opinion. inter-Christian harmony in Prussia, would deliver to the House of Commons Though a minority, 'Liberal Protestants' France, the USA. and Saxony, although and "sing their lullaby!"4i The fore- were significant both on a national and with the benefit of history, these examples mentioned publication attempted to local level. Pivotal in illustrating Liberal are unfortunately questionable. These downplay its significance by claiming that Protestant opinion was 'The Protestant views typify those of the 'Liberal "the Protestants of rank and property of Declaration', signed in December 1828, by Protestant' and there were regular this county are Emancipators." This is a "their Graces and Dukes of Leinster and meetings, especially in Dublin.56The man highly dubious assertion. Devonshire, 7 Marquises, 26 Earls, l1 who deserves particular praise is the Duke Viscounts 22 Barons, -Counts, 22 of Leinster. Whenever reports appear Baronets, 52 Members of the House of regarding Liberal Protestants, his name is Commons and upwards of 2000 Gentle- almost always mentioned. The Brunswicks failed to unite Irish men of other classes."~4They pledged The Star of Brunswick questioned the Protestants. In fact they were even divided Protestant support for a removal of motivation of those who signed this amongst themselves, sabotaging their Catholic political disabilities on pan- Protestant Declaration, accusing its cause even further. Lord Gort, President Christian grounds. Catholics and signatories of selfishness or bowing to of the Limerick City Brunswick Club, Protestants are both Christian and both intimidation. "This thing so called - a stated that he did not oppose concessions sons of Adam, both followers of the fabrication - to which signatures have been to Catholics, as they too were loyal to the common truth of the compassionate voluntarily affixed for the worst and most House of Brunswick and the constitution. saviour, Jesus Christ. Emancipation would selfish motives or have been superinduced He felt that "concession would strengthen, actually strengthen the empire, stabilising by threats the most unworthy and intimi- not weaken, the Protestant interest." He its institutions and promoting "National dation the most barefaced." It could not even insisted, before accepting the tranquillity." Catholics too supported the accept that fellow Protestants could simply position of President, that he maintained House of Brunswick and the constitution have an unselfishly different view to their the right to support the legislation in the and were capable of virtue.55 own. There had to be something more House of Lords if required by the According to Samuel Ward, the chief sinister. It alleges that a ten shilling government to do so! Colleagues (Hon architect of the declaration, "liberty is the subscription was required from signator- William Massy and Rev Josiah Crampton) birth-right of every man" and Catholic ies to defray expenses and it vowed to even reluctantly supported his right to bondage was "revolting to every maxim of dissect the occupations of those who "freedom of opinion" and "political justice, every principle of humanity," signed.5i conduct." He later wrote of his dismay at altogether an embarrassment. "Romanists" being named a vice-president of the were responsible for "trial by jury, for Brunswick Club of Ireland without his Magna Carta and very many of the best assent.48 Perhaps he was embarrassed by principles of our civil institutions." He The creature called the Liberal Protestant them. Lord Gort was evidently chosen accuses the Brunswicks of perverting the inhabited Limerick also. Thomas Spring only for his name, although he did co- Protestant religion for their own selfish Rice MP was their leading figure. Others operate as their postman, delivering their ends. If the franchise depended on virtue, included Richard Fitzgibbon, The Earl of petitions. Allegations also emerged that they would be as restricted as the Limerick and the Barrington family. Some, many signatures which appeared on their 'Papists.' "If therefore these be referred to such as Mr Spring Rice, had Catholic petitions were both forged and of entirely Protestants at large we shall find the branches in their family tree. However, fictional names. This was according to a principle body even of them intellectually this does not appear to be their primary Brunswick administrator, angry at not and morally unfitted, and consequently, motivati~n.~~ having received his wages. He threatened although eligible by law, virtually There were two important factors. to reveal further malpractice if he was not excluded from their benefit, fully as much Firstly, there appears to have been a paid soon.49 as any Roman Catholic." The true follower genuine belief that, in order for the A constant feature at Brunswick of Christ is not he who merely attends his Protestant elite to survive, it needed to meetings was the contradiction between house, but he who lives according to his open its doors to new members. If political being in favour of concessions to Papists word. The Brunswicks were an absolute or social advancement could be achieved and wishing them well, but only so long as distortion of Christianity, bordering on on the basis of merit, rather than merely the Protestant position was not eroded as Fascism. "The Protestant religion is on Protestant birth, then the nation could a result. Major Croker of Limerick stated abhorrent, altogether abhorrent, from find peace. Secondly, a large section of that "if a bill for emancipation could be anything illiberal or cruel, influenced by Limerick Protestants, namely those satisfactorily carried so as to secure the the Holy Spirit." "Observance of outward outside the Corporation, were dependent Protestant establishment he would have ceremonial is insufficient; the affections of on Catholic political support in their quest for reform. This movement became Wellington's one concession to the of the Protestant 'self-interest movement' popularly known as 'The Independence Protestant extremists, though I'm in Ireland. The Star of Brunswick Movement.' Thomas Spring Rice petit- unconvinced that it was a result of the continued publication until December ioned parliament demanding that the Brunswicks exertions, was the dis- 1829. Dissolution was vehemently denied proposed removal of Catholic disabilities enfranchisement of all forty shilling as late as 12 December. "Much it is true must become law. He also supported Freeholders, whether they be Catholic or has been lost, but much still remains proposed interdenominational education, Protestant. However, a clear majority were worth contending for. Look to the efforts as it could promote inter-Christian Catholic, thus the number of Catholic making to subvert the Church established understanding and lessen the influence of voters would be reduced.61 Catholics were in these islands." '"The abominable threats the clergy from all sides, who were all also to be ineligible for the offices of Lord of the leader of the Roman Catholic Party, equally divisive. Many liberal Protestants, Chancellor or Lord Lieutenant of either remember the vindictive nature of their, although pro-Catholic, were not pro-priest Kingdom. In addition, proposals also church and the sanguinary of her cod& or pro-Catholic Association, due mainly to existed to exclude members of Catholic and conduct to heretics." "Give up not its overbearing clerical influence. He also religious orders from the House of Lords. idly."G4 NO official notice was given of their supported the Catholic relief bill of 1829 However, this latter measure was eventual cessation in Star of Brunswick or and voted against the suppression of the dropped. The Duke stated, prior to the any other newspaper. No reports appear of Catholic Association in the same year. vote, that repeal of this oath would only any meetings in local newspapers beyond The Catholic Clergy do appear to have result in 5 or 6 Catholics entry to the March of 1829. It is thus safe to assume possessed an unhealthy level of influence House of Lords and an "unspecified that they ceased operation long before on their flock at elections throughout 19th number" to the Commons. Protestantism their newspaper. Catholic emancipation century Ireland. Catholics, in particular in either house, or outside either house, was law and most unlikely to be repealed. their lower socio-economic ranks, were was under no threat. It existed before the The Brunswick Clubs would have needed largely devoid of education, their minds Oath of Supremacy was even a sparkle in to change, to broaden their terms of underdeveloped and incapable of thinking its creator's eye, when there was just the reference, for survival. However, they for themselves on broader issues. The Oath of Allegiance, which there would still suffered from the stigma of abject failure priest was one of the few educated be now. Acts 25 and 30 of Charles I1 "were and the will did not exist to save them. persons in the community. Also, he not established from any fear of Popish The Clubs died depressed and few conveniently had a hotline to God. It was members but from a just fear of what attended their funeral. Henceforth the thus natural for the priest to influence a might be done by a Popish sovereign and Brunswicks were destined, at best, to be a peasant, poverty-prone society, largely a Popish successor. Is there any danger of tiny and insignificant footnote of history. devoid of alternative leaders. Clerical a Popish successor now?" Catholics were One interesting report which appeared assent was necessary to any aspiring also to remain excluded from the in Star of Brunswick in October 1829 was political campaign. Education brings Monarchy. that of the proposed Protestant Colonis- intellectual and emotional independence. Lord Redesdale was one of the most ation Society, initiated in the Grand Without this, however, a 'Priest State' was vocal proBrunswick speakers prior to the Orange Lodge. Plans were formulated to inevitable. vote in the Lords, favouring simple establish Protestant colonies throughout suppression of the Catholic Association. Ireland to ensure an Orange influence The Earl of Elden felt that Catholics would everywhere, thus strengthening Protestant take over parliament, destroy the Church interest as a whole. This was to be done by Ultimately, despite many MPS, Lords and of Ireland and the Church of England purchasing uncultivated land, paid for by influential figures sympathising with the would survive it "not by an hour." Others the annual subscription of 6 shillings from Brunswick cause, and approximately 1000 who spoke against the bill were Lord every Orangeman. It was estimated that petitions, Wellington simply did not need Abington, the Duke of Newcastle, Bishop £60,000 per year could be raised and 1000 their support. He had clear majority Lichfield, the Duke of Cumberland and Protestant families could be resettled support in parliament and the approval of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Those who every 12 months. The primary benefic- the 'House of Brunswick' in King George spoke in favour included Marquis iaries were to be lower class Protestants, IV himself. In fact the Marquis of Camden, Lord Granville, the Earl of "families of helpless indigent peasants."65 Anglesey, Lord Lieutenant since 1828 and Harrowby, the Bishop of Harrowby, the Protestants had a duty to help their fellow chief architect of the 'Catholic Bill,' Duke of Athol, Lord Middleton, the Duke Protestants in need. However, it was never actively disliked the Brunswicks, deeply of Sussex, Marquis Lansdowne, Lord stated where they were to be transplanted resenting their attempts to coerce him. In Holland and the Bishop of Norwich (one from, Ireland? Scotland? Perhaps even the the House of Lords he made his feelings of the regions in England where the Netherlands or Germany? "The committee clear, deeming the Clubs 'an additional Brunswicks made most noise). The Lords are of opinion will increase the moral and nuisance' and pouring scorn on their self eventually passed the bill by an physical emigration and give the Orange proclaimed efforts to 'help the govern- overwhelming majority of 213 to 109. institution a prepondering influence in ment.' "I could not give them thanks for King George IV, head of the House of every county in Ireland." Holland was seen their efforts for I felt that I had ample Brunswick, gave his assent and it became as the role model. The Protestant Colonis- power and no occasion whatever for their law.62 ation Society was formally constituted in assistance." Once emancipation became late November 1829 in Morrisson's Great law, the Clubs would have no cause and Rooms.66 perish. Wellington was optimistic that the legislation could bring Ireland stability. The Brunswick cause had been defeated, "The higher and richer order of the people its members were demoralised and there will have an interest in tranquillity; they were demands for them to disband. The primary newspapers used for the will therefore aid in preserving it and set Thomas Spring Rice called on them to research of this article were Star of an example to the lower and poorer order follow the example of the Limerick Brunswick - published by the Brunswick of harmony and satisfaction. This is all we Independent Club, which dissolved itself Club of Ireland itself from November 1828 desire. If they set the example, the as its goals had now been achieved and to to December 1829; the Limerick Chronicle country will be quiet."59 This quietness demonstrate its peace making ~pirit."~3 - part owned by Andrew Watson, himself a which he hoped for was a quietness also Had the Brunswick Clubs achieved their member of the Limerick City Brunswick minus the Catholic Association, which he goals, then their future would probably Club; the Limerick Evening Post and Clare saw as just as big an annoyance as the have been assured. However, they were a Sentinel (LEPCS), which was fiercely pro- 'Constitutional Fundamentalists.' "Repeal failure of history and belief in their emancipation and fundamentally anti- the grievous penal enactments and the usefulness was low. The Orange Order Brunswick and the Ennis Chronicle and association is annihilated."60 was reconstituted and assumed leadership Clare Advertiser. Unfortunately the Catholic, priest-dominated nation. How- ever, this did take a great deal longer than they anticipated and there was certainly no Catholic takeover of mainland Britain. The At a Meetift9 of the CM, held this Bay, nt tlre Caltal fiotef, pursuant to nnjournmext, Brunswicks were eventually succeeded by the Orange Order as the leader of patriotic Protestantisn~in Ireland. However, their place in history is deserved despite their short life span. They were a force for only lst.-That the first objcet of the Cluh be to proniote mutwl kintlncse and rec~pr~~albenevaience amongst one year, but it was one critical year in the &l cltlsses aud persunsions of his Majesty's sul!jeetu. evolution of the future Irish nati06.~~The 2d -Thnt the object of the Club h nbo tn assist in supwintending the Education of the Poor, in thts Brunswicks played a prominent role in the City arid LLer~ieu. screenplay of 1828/29, although ultimately 8d.-Thnt the Club be also bound to discounlenanc@and prevent the exig~*:~ce,in &is district, their role wasn't to finish with glory. Secret and Ulcgal Societies wbekvcr. However, as an ancestor of the living Orange movement they do hold historical 4th.-That the next ol?ject be to put an end to Feuds and Factions amon interest and contemporary relevance. Love Riot* or breaehes of the Peace. them or loathe them, I believe that the 5th.-Kext, to ascertain the number of I'cIw~~possessed of Freehr,lil~in tliis City and Libel~es,and to Brunswick should not be forgotten. take care titat ull Freeltolds be duly rq$ered, auil the o~vaerzreanly to exercise their Elective Psanchise, anti to assist every Claimaut to f'reetloni in obtziuing the enjopent of their Chartered Righe. @ili.-Tkat it bc the object of this Club to promote pulrfic md private charities, of everg de~~~$~ti~, sanctioned by law. 1. The following is the complete list of Brunswick Clubs formed throughout Ireland and England, from the Ennis Chronicle and Clare Advertiser, 29 November 1828: 8th.-That tbere be no Oath wbatsocvet vequired or rultnissiblc from any Member, and that gereey uakrly brw~ishedfrom any of theRules, Regulations, f"rocecdinh% or Mcctinp of the Club, or ayportia Brunswick Club of Ireland tl~ereof;bot that it be a funst~nientalnile of the Institution, that every Gentleman seeking to be atlmited a Ulster Provincial Club Member, do make a distinct and positive piedge, to act upon every important political ciisis according to the, University Club decision of the majority, without regard to any psimite or prmnal interm& or feelings rvhatsuevcr. 8th.- That any person wishing to become a Member, shall be proposed by one Member end secottdal by The following counties established mother, a week's notice of same beinggwen to the Secretary, md that One black be? to every Wce white County Clubs: mes, excludes the person so proposed, and that noless &air Twenty Members fonn U Ballot Antrim Armagh I%h.-Rlat the terms of admission Le Oue Pound Yeady. Cavan Clare 11th.-That the Eollolving Gentlemen be qyoitited OBicem of the Club for tlie next Three Month$ :- Cork Donegal Sdinond Ryan, &q. Pxcsident ; W'dham Bachett, Esq Yzcc-l'rcbident; Wim Rjm, E Down Dublin ud Thomas Moiuny, Eq.Sacretnry. Fermanagh Galway Kilkenny Leitrim Limerick Londonderry Longford Louth --p Ynoted J CANTER1 Coumis~~onDapsr aud Accowt-book Wuc-how, 1% Praner&streA, Unonck, Meath Monaghan Queen's County Roscommon Leaflet of Limerick Independent Club, August 1828, Sligo Tyrone printed bv R.P. Canter. 12 Francis Street Tipperary Westmeath (Limerick Museum) Wexford Wicklow Limerick Chronicle for most of the years abysmally unsuccessful phenomenon. The following established local clubs: 1828/29 is missing from all local They closely resembled the Orange Order collections. Thus a valuable perspective is which rose and became a populist Armagh city Aughrim lost, apart from occasional extracts which Ardstraw Athlone movement in opposition to Home Rule half Augher Arva were reprinted in other papers. However, a century later. The Orange Order, in Arklow Aughnacloy what was most striking was the extent of conjunction with other Protestant pressure Aglish Ballinasloe the hostility to the Constitutional Clubs by groups, did achieve a modicum of success, Borris-in-Ossory Ballyhobey the LEPCS. forcing the creation of a separate Northern Ballymacarrett Ballymahon The LEPCS did its utmost to ridicule Ireland and Protestant state. However, its Boyle Ballyshannon and dehumanise the Clubs through poetry power was derived from the fact that it did Bandon Ballygawley and probably blatant slander. "Blood- represent popular Protestant opinion. The Ballyconnell Bangor hounds" it dubbed them, a phrase later Clubs never did so and this was their Ballynode Ballykeel used by Daniel O'Connell, and it made Achilles heel. They were not helped by the Ballintra Buttevant frequent reference to their "Kennels."68 In lack of a general election, which may or Belturbert Ballymena another issue they were "Cannibals" and may not have enabled them to gain some Borrisokeane Brookeborough on another day still, a Brunswick political credibility. The time-scale from Ballybay Ballinmonty Protestant minister fathered a bastard formation to legislation was also extremely Ballinamore Belleek child and deserted its mother.69 Members short. The 200 plus Clubs were largely Benburb Balhnaleek are also referred to as "the Council of autonomous and appear to have lacked a Cork City Cavan Town War" who talk to horses, being "Parsons co-ordinated leadership. Despite some Clones Carnew I and tithe pig eaters", "Tax eaters and Collon Cooterhill significant sympathisers, the government Connelloe, Upper Grinders" who don't pay full taxes on their Conroy simply did not need to listen. Thus in this Connelloe, Lower Carrigallin property. It also stated that the Limerick incarnation the Brunswicks were doomed Castleconnor Coolaney Brunswick Clubs donated El00 to help from conception. Bigots the Brunswicks Carrick-on-Shannon Charlemont defray the costs of former Mayor Thomas certainly were, but was their apocalyptic Carlingfoxd Carrickfergus Jesvis's legal action against the paper.70 vision accurate? For the most part the Castlecaulfield Clogher In conclusion the Brunswick 'Funda- answer is undoubtedly 'yes'. Catholic Clonfeacle Cookestown mentalist' Clubs were a short lived and Emancipation was the first step towards a Charleville Derry City Drogheda Dundalk No record exists of any Orange Societies Earl of Fitzwilliam Dromine Drumane in Limerick either before or after this Earl of Besborough Dungannon Dunkerrin period. Outside of Ulster, the Orange Earl of Wicklow Derriaghy Drumcliffe Order was strongest in Dublin and Cork. Earl of Blessington Downpatrick Drumquin Earl of Bective Derrygortney Downshire 2. Population of Limerick City - 1821: Earl of Portarlington Duleek Enniskillen 59,045 (28,117 Male, 30,928 Female) Earl of Gosford Edenduffcarrig Enniscorthy -1831: 66,554 Lord Plunkett Frutona Galway Town Lord Bangharn Gorey Glasalough In 1871, the first year in which religious Lord Dunally Irvinestown Iveragh denominations were included in the Lord Riversdale P Killala Killiman census, the population of Limerick City Lord AM.W. Hill, MP (Down County) '' Killglas Kinsale was said to be 88.5%Catholic. Lord W.C. Fitzgerald, MP (Kildare Killeshandra Killashee Population of Limerick County - 1821: County) Kinawley Louth Town 218, 432 (108,799 Male, 109,633 Female). Marquess of Lansdowne Limerick City Letterkenny (Census of Ireland 1821,1831; Judith Marquess of Downshire Lifford Loughgall Hill: The Bzkilding of Limerick, Mercier Marquess of Hastings LLmakea Lisburn Press, 1991, p.149) Marquess of Clanricarde Leck Longford Town Rt. Hon. Maurice Fitzgerald, Knight of Leskanard Loughary General Elections in Limerick City Kerry Loughgilly Mullingar 1810-1830 (1 M.P. elected) Hon. Agar Ellis Mo**stown Manor Cunningham 1812 General Election: Rt. Hon. Col. Hon. R. Fitzgibbon, MP Magherafelt Mountnorris Charles Vereker: 139 Manorhamikon Mountshannon Lord Glentworth (Henry Hartstonage The above figures met at Rotunda Dublin M~Y M*bill Pery): 27 and the Union Hotel, Cockspur St., Mountkennedy Malin 1817 By-election: Hon. John Prender- London, among other locations. They Mountmelick Mountnorris gast Vereker: 412 planned to raise money for a statue in Muff Maguire's-bridge John Tuthill268 honour of the Duke of Wellington. Mones Muskerry 1818 General Election: Hon. John (LEPCS 24 & 29 April 1829) Newtownlimavady Newtownstewart Prendergast Vereker 601 Newtownhamilton Newtownbarry Thomas Spring Rice 306 Other Protestants who openly favoured Newcastle Newmills 1820 General Election: Hon. John Catholic Emancipation were: Newtownmountkeni nedy Prendergast Vereker 796 Marquess Camden Omagh Ormond,Lower Thomas Spring Rice 560 Lord Granville Ossory, Upper Portadown (On petition Vereker unseated and Earl of Harrowby Parsonstown Portarlington Spring Rice was later declared Duke of Atholl Rathdowne Roscommon Town elected) Lord Middleton Rossory Randalstown 1826 General Election: Thomas Duke of Sussex Sligo Town Strabane Spring Rice: elected unopposed. Marquis of Lansdowne Slievardagh Stranorlar 1830 General Election Thomas Spring Lord Holland Stewartstown Shinrone Rice: 796 (Ennis Chronicle 29April1829) Tinahely Tyrhugh Samuel Dickson 485 Tanderagee Tyrawley (Walker, B.M. (ed): Parliamentary Tyrrelspass Templemore Electioon Results in Z~eland1801-1922, Typollan Tallow Royal Irish Academy, 1978) List of persons who are reported as having Tyrone Wicklow attended Limerick City Brunswick Wexford It is important to note that, according to Constitutional Club meetings. Undoubtbly the Constitution, Catholics were allowed other figures did attend, but these were Total membership was estimated at to vote and theoretically allowed to the leaders. 150.000 participate fully in most areas of local and national politics, even to sit as MPS. Lord Gort: President, who stated that he English Brunswick Clubs: However, a combination of the corrupt may vote for Catholic Emancipation nature of the Corporation and the Oath of Bill in House of Lords! London - The Imperial Parent Club, of Supremacy kept them out. The Oath of Charles Fitzgerald, Treasurer, resident in which the Duke of Gordon is President Supremacy, which had to be taken before 5 Upper George's St. and the Marquis of Chandos Secretary entry to Parliament, required one to Captain Garrett Hugh Fitzgerald, acknowledge the Monarch as head of the Secretary Kent Buckinghamshire Church. In a pious world, where religion Alderman Andrew Watson, part owner of Stockport Leeds occupied such a pre-eminent position, no Limerick Chronicle, Delegate at Pewdly Leicester Catholic could in his conscience take this Brunswick Club of Ireland in Dublin Oswestry Oath. It also affected Protestant dissenters Captain Garnett, not listed as a Freeman of Colyton Hundven of Devonshire until 1828, when it was modified for their Limerick, Delegate at Brunswick Club Derby, Clergy of the Archdeaconry benefit. Also, at this stage and for some of Ireland meeting in Dublin Rochestrar Clergy of the Diocese years after, MPS received no salaries. This G. Hugh Fitzgerald, not listed as a Manchester combined with the enormous costs of Freeman, Delegate at Brunswick Club Nottingham, Clergy of the Archdeaconry commuting to London meant that few of Ireland meeting, Dublin Newborough Bolton-le-Moore Catholics were likely to be in a position to Michael Bevan, Limerick Delegate at Wallingford Exeter sit as MPS. Brunswick Club of Ireland Meeting, Northampton Suffolk Dublin Shropshire Worcester Edward Croker, Freeman since 1795, Bridgenorth Bacup resident in Ballynagarde Cheshire Anglesey Irish Protestant nobility or nobility with John B. Langford, not listed as a Freeman Merioneth Llanguinnen Irish connections who supported Catholic Major Croker Colchester Shrewsbury Emancipation: Right Hon. Lord Massy, resident in Caernarvon Co. Essex Duke of Leinster Ballyclough, Freeman since 1817 Llangaif Chelmsford Duke of Devonshire Rev. O'Grady: not listed as a Freeman Caernarvon Town Macclesfield Earl of Glengall Lord Clare Newtown Abbot, Devon Northumberland Earl of Granard Lord Dunraven Norwich Earl of Damley Sir Aubrey de Vere Hunt Mr Waller, Castletown resident John Tuthill, barrister, Catherine St. By Craven! - deserting the Protestant Hon. William Massy John Mark cause! Vere D. Hunt: Mayor William Roche He said the Great Captain should give up Hon.George Massy, resident in Bally- William Howley the prize, clough, Freeman since 1792 Rev. John Pinkerton, Glentworth St. And Rome's rebel minions to Britons give Hon John Massy, Freeman since 1816 William White laws, Hon William Massy, resident in Belmont, Francis Philip Russell But now, one and all, on Britons we call, Cork George William Russell To rescue their rights from Dragon's fell Henry A. O'Donnell Michael Gavin jaws. C.A. Rev. William Waller James Anglin As loyal they'd blazon, the black depths of Colonel Monsell Hewey Watson treason Robert Maunsell Esq. Singing Billy bo lero with their applause. Godfrey Massy, resident in Ballycahane, For two years: I Freeman since 1793. Michael Quin Those renegade Protestants whose Alderman Wilson Thomas Quinlavan breasts, disgrac'd, Alderman Gabbett Hewy O'Sullivan Rebellion and Faction's foul badges Alderman D. V. O'Mahony Cornelius O'Brien display, Alderman N. Mahon Joseph Jones Contempt hath from social life's George Tuthill, resident in Faha, Freeman Ralph Wilson sanctuaries chas'd, since 1801. Daniel Barrington Since Protestant principles walked into Thomas M. Wilson play; Rev. Josiah Crampton, resident in Mulcair, I found no evidence of any involvement by Those madmen or fools, those blind Cat's- Freeman since 1817 this body with the Brunswick movement. paw-tools, Joseph Gubbins Esq. Devoid of discretion, or judgment to away, Capt. Thomas Ross menbtx 6 Like rats shall run routed, from social life John Waller O'Grady esq. - a @rnnxbtck scouted - John Hunt Esq., Surgeon & Freeman Sing Billy bo lero, - since Brunswick's day! since 1813 gong. bp a @upporter John Blennerhasset, resident in Riddle- Brunswickers The mob, priests and demagogues, tag, stown, Freeman since 1817 A Song by a Clare Man rag, and bols, Thomas Jervis, late Mayor Air - "Protestant Boys" Have called forth the Lion of Liberty's might: List of Persons who opposed the Act of The Protestant spirit of Erin is rous'd, And, now that those blockheads have Union in 1800 who were themselves or That long had lain dormant; when done their own job, their descendants later to join the needless, unknown, They may fling, with their schemes, all Brunswick Constitutional Clubs, an While all who love freedom it's cause have their hopes out of sight organisation whose cornerstone was espous'd, No longer thick scull'd, no more to be loyalty to the Union. Published in The Resolv'd to support Constitution and gull'd, Limerick Chronicle, 11 January 1800. Throne The Protestants see how things stand by Rebellion that lurk'd, and underhand truth's light, Andrew Watson work'd, And conciliation, their own ruination, Edward Croker (The Wolf in Sheep's clothing, of late Sing Billy bo lero, - hence scare to flight! Godfrey Massy plainly shewn,) Robert Maunsell Disheart'n'd, doth tremble, since Rejoic'd would the Protestants grant all George Tuthill Brunswicks assemble! their claims, Hon. John Massy Sing Billy bo lero, we'll keep the bone And place them, as friends, with Vere Hunt themselves on par, Thomas Vereker They who the war whoop of party have Ere they found their pretensions mere John Prendergast Smyth rais'd, cloaks to their schemes, Appear quite astonish'd to find it is up to. To rule, and or fam'd Constitution to mar, They hop'd that their masters would take, Even then too inert, their rights to assert, and be pleased, Till destruction they saw from threshold Four official criteria for receipt of Whatever they choose to pour into their not far; Freedom of Limerick: cup. When the act that concession, provok'd One could: Their masters are men! They'll show them aggression, 1. Be the eldest son of a Freeman and again, (Sing Billy bo lero) rais'd Brunswicks star! resident in the city. Disdaining the yelp of each priest-ridden 2. Be married to the daughter of a PUP And now that the fiend's cloven foot has Freeman and resident in the city. With bluster or blarney, from Clare or been shown, 3. Have served an apprenticeship of at Killarney; While faction's foul ferment works up in least seven years to a tradesman or Sing Billy bo lero, this let them sup the land, merchant who was himself a Freeman. Beth' gauntlet of loyalty fearlessly thrown 4. Or, most controversially, one could These who the Blood-hounds by Blood- To those who dare venture to take it in simply be a 'distinguished non-citizen.' hounds styl'd. hand: Too long look'd for peace where no peace Resolv'd to oppose, true liberty's foes, This was a loose ambiguous term and it could be found. And still by our try'd Constitution to stand; was under this heading that the greatest But, now they resolv'd they'll no more be Through all wind and weather, united abuses occurred. Under the Verekers the beguil'd together, only criterion was that one be a political To security's sleep, by a mere empty Sing Billy bo lero, our ship is mann'd! ally of theirs. sound. (Ennis Chronicle and Clare Advertiser, 29 Delusion is done; it's tell race is run; October 1828) It's victim's fist ready for slaughter were bound, Commissioners for the Parish of St. Till the war wisdom of Treason; just Michael, 1831 sounded in season, And Billy bo lero sinking hope crown'd ! Brunswick Echoes For Life: Hue eocamus, alt; nullique libentius Lord Glentworth Contempt on George Dawson, though he uniquam John Kelly opd men's eyes- sponsurs sono, Cocamus, retulit Echo. There are echoes, we know of all sorts, Footnotes LEPCS, 24 Feb 1829 From the Echoe, that "dies in the dale," The 'Brunswick Tree of Liberty' was a LEPCS, February 1829 To the "airy-tongued babbler," that sports symbol which members often used. Presbyterianism, though derived from Up the tide of the torrent her "tale." The Act of Union became law in 1800, Calvinism, has since split into traditional ironically opposed by many latter-day Calvinism, Congregationalism and other There are echoes that bore us, like Blues, Brunswick Club members. Loyalty to the small sects, such as the Free Presbyterian With the latest smart met they have heard; Union was a cornerstone of the Brunswick Church of Dr. Ian Paisley. There are echoes, extremely like shrews, ethos. SOB, 14 Nov 1829 Letting nobody have the last word. Beckett, J.C.: The Making ornodem Ireland LC, Jan 1830 1603-1923, Faber & Faber, 1972, p.299 SOB, 18 Feb 1829 In the bogs of old Paddy-land, too, Total population of Ireland in 1831 was 7, SOB, 28 Feb 1829 Certain "talented," Echoes there dwell 700,000. (Beckett, op. cit, p.292). In 1821, SOB, 29 Nov 1828 Who, on being ask'd, "How do you do?" 11.65%of the total population was Church LEPCS, Sep 1828 Politely reply, "Pretty well." of Ireland. (Connolly, Sean: Religion and ECCA, 11 Oct 1828 Society in 19th Century Ireland, Dundalgan LEPCS, Oct 1828 But why should I talk any more Press, p.63). I estimate that in 1831, 75% of LEPCS, 8 Oct 1828 Of such old-fashioned echoes as these, the total population was Catholic. ECCA, 11 Oct 1828 When Britain has new ones in store, Beckett, op. cit., p.302 Those listed included: Right Hon. John That transcend them by many degrees? Limerick Chronicle (LC), 1817 Ormsby Vandeleur, the members of the Ennis Chronicle & Clare Advertiser, House of Dromoland, Mr. John Scott For, of all repercussions of sound. (ECCA) 29April1829 Vandeleur, Mr. Andrew Stackpoole, Mr. Concernings what bards make a pother. Boyce, David George: 19th Century Cornelius O'Brien, John Westropp of Fort- There's none like a happy rebound, Ireland, the Search for Stability, Rowman & Anne, John & Hugh Singleton, Rev. When one blockhead echoes another. Attfield, 1990, p.53 Fitzgerald of Ennis, Giles Davon and Beckett, op. cit., p.303 George Armstrong. (LEPCS, 14 Oct 1828) When K-nyon commences the bray. ECCA, 4 October 1828 LEPCS, 19 Dec 1828 And the Borough Duke follows his track; Protestant Dissenters were also excluded "There was not enough Orangeism in While loudly, from Dublins sweet hay. from parliament until the March 1828 Britain to provide a firm basis for the R-thd-ne brays, with interest back! repeal of the Test and Corporation Oaths. Brunswick movement." Hereward, Senior: They were now required only to make" A Orangeism in Ireland and Britain 1795- And while of most echoes the sound simple declaration not to disturb the 1836, Routledge & Kegan Paul, London, On our ear by reflection doth fall. establishment" which "is conditioned to 1966, p.231 These Brunswickers pass the bray round restore every Dissenter in the Empire to LEPCS, 9 Jan 1829 & Spellissy, Sean: Without any reflection at all. the full and free enjoyment of his civil Limerick the Rich Land, Spellissy/O'Brien rights." The acts "shall no longer disgrace Publishers, Ennis, 1989, p.252-260 Oh Scott, were I gifted like you, the character of our free Constitution." http://www.users.bigpond.com, Palatines Who can name all the echoes there are, (LEPCS,March 1828) in Ireland, lecture p.1 From Ben-voirloch to bold Ben-venue, The Tithe was a tax paid by Catholics and O'Connor, Patrick: People Make Places, From Ben-ledi to wild Uam-var; Dissenters for the maintenance of the Oidhreacht na Mumhan Books, 1989, p.32 Church of Ireland, the established church. LEPCS, 6 Feb 1829 I might track, shrough each hard Irish "The amount was small but the system of LEPCS, 20 Feb, 3 Mar 1829 name, collection was often vexatious; and since it LEPCS, Feb 1829 The rebounds of his axinine strain, was paid to the Protestant church it might LEPCS, 14 Oct 1828 Till, from Neddy to Neddy, it came well seem to the Roman Catholic majority a LEPCS, 27 Jan 1829 To the chief Eeddy, K-nyon, again; badge of slavery." Beckett, op. cit., p.292 LEPCS, 1829 The Orange Order and the Catholic LEPCS, Feb 1829 Might tell how it roar'd in R-thd-ne, Association were both censored in 1825 LEPCS, 24 Feb 1829 How from D-ws-n it died off genteelly, under the Unlawful Societies Act. The SOB, 18 Nov 1829 How hollow it rung from the crown, primary target of this legislation was the ECCA, Oct 1828 Of the fat pated Marquis of E-y; Catholic Association. However, the LEPCS, 9 Jan 1829 government did not wish to appear LEPCS, 5 Dec 1828. These are largely the How, on hearing my Lord of GI-nd-ne, partisan. It had, in any event, little affinity words of Samuel Ward Thistle-eaters, the stoutest gave way, for the boisterous and potentially LEPCS, 24 Jan 1829 Outdone, in their own special line, recalcitrant Orange movement. Its demise SOB, 6 Dec 1828 By the forty-ass power of his bray. was a not unwelcome bonus prize. Thomas Spring Rice was of Catholic and ECCA, 3 Sept. 1828 & Star of Brunswick, Quaker as well as Anglican blood But no - for so humble a bard (SOB) 3 Jan. 1829 ECCA, 29 Apr 1829 a subject too trying to touch on; A dictionary of British History, p.323 LEPCS, 3 Mar 1829 Such a noblemen's names are too hard, LEPCS, October 1828 Beckett, op. cit., p.301 And there needeles too soft to dwell The Donegal Brunswick Club admitted ECCA, 29 Apr 1829 much on new members only on the recommen- LEPCS, Feb 1829 dation of three members of its committee SOB, 12 Dec 1829 Oh Echo, sweet nymph of the hill, (ECCA, 4 October 1828). The County of SOB, 17 Oct 1829 Of the dell, and the deep-sounding shelves, Clare Brunswick Club, formed on 20 SOB, 29 Nov 1829 If in spite of Narcissus, you still October 1828 under the Presidency of Sir "The people already have changed the Take to folk who are charmed with Augustine Fitzgerald, required that its name of the Brunswick Clubs to the more themselves. members contribute an annual subscrig appropriate one of the Bloodhounds Clubs, tion of a maximum of E2 and a minimum of and wherever a Bloodhound Club shall be Who knows but, some morning, retiring 2s 6d. All aspiring members, as in Donegal, established we shall endeavour to watch To walk by the Trent's wooded side, required the recommendation of three over the people with double vigilance" - You may meet with N-W- astle admiring committee members. (ECCA, 20 October Daniel OJConnell, (LEPCS, 13 Sep 1828) His own lengthen'd ears in the tide! 1828). LEPCS, 7 Oct 1828 ECCA, October 1828 LEPCS,October 1828 Or on into Cambria straying, LEPCS, 24 Feb 1829. This meeting was in LEPCS, Feb 1829 Find K-nyon, that double-tongued elf, Dublin. Ireland 1800 - 1921 was a province of the In his love of ass-cendancy, braying ECCA, 17 October 1828 United Kingdom in the same way as Wales A Brunswick duet with himself! ECCA, 11 &l8 Feb 1829 and Scotland. It sent representatives to the LEPCS, February 1829 British parliament, which legislated for Written by a person named only as S ECCA, 29 April1829 Ireland. It was thus not a nation in the (Limerick Evening Post, 24 October 1828) SOB, 21 Feb 1829 political sense.