A Look Back at a Tense Day in 1831
This excerpt from the April 9, 1831 edition of The Times newspaper paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous day in Ireland. The letter, dated April 6th and originating from Dublin, details a violent incident that unfolded near the town of Gort.
A Mob Targets Marble Hill
The letter describes a large crowd, estimated at around 5,000 men, surrounding the mansion of Sir John Burke, Baronet, at Marble Hill. This act of intimidation wasn’t merely symbolic. The mob proceeded to openly demolish windows, a clear sign of aggression.
Breaking and Entering
Further escalating the situation, the mob forced their way into the mansion. Their motives are unclear, but the report details the theft of 13 firearms and a significant amount of gunpowder. This suggests the possibility of the mob preparing for further violence.
Another Target. Captain Burnskill’s Residence
The mob didn’t stop at Marble Hill. The report states they then marched towards the residence of Captain Burnskill, who was conveniently absent, attending the assizes (court sessions) in Galway. Here, violence erupted. Shots were fired, one of which unfortunately resulted in a minor injury to Miss Brunskill, one of the Captain’s daughters. The mob also plundered firearms from Captain Burnskill’s home, adding to their growing arsenal.
A Glimpse into a Larger Issue
While the specific reasons behind this incident remain unknown, the newspaper report offers a glimpse into a period of unrest in Ireland. The presence of such a large, organized mob, willing to resort to violence and theft, suggests simmering tensions. Further research into the historical context of 1831 Ireland would be necessary to fully understand the root causes of this event.
The Power of Historical Records:
This short news clipping, despite its limited detail, serves as a valuable piece of historical record. It offers a snapshot of a day marked by violence and unrest, reminding us of the challenges faced by Irish society in the early 19th century.
The Times NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
April 9, 1831
IRELAND
DUBLIN, April 6
A letter reached town this morning, which mentions that on Monday about 5000 men, from the neighbourhood of Gort, surrounded the mansion of Sir John Burke, Bart., at Marble Hill, and in the open day proceeded to demolish the windows. They forced an entrance to the house, from which they took 13 stand of arms and a considerable quantity of powder. from Marble Hill, this immense mob, 500 of whom were supplied with fire-arms, proceeded to the house of Captain Burnskill (who was absent attending the assizes at Galway) and fired several shots, one of which slightly wounded Miss Brunskill, one of the daughters of the Captain. From the residence of Captain Brusnkill, they also took a quantity of firearms.
