Charles Parnell, a prominent Irish nationalist, played a crucial role in the fight for Irish Home Rule during the 19th century. Born into an Anglo-Irish family with strong anti-British sentiments, Parnell followed in his parents’ footsteps and became a dedicated Irish nationalist. He quickly rose to prominence in politics, eventually becoming the Member of Parliament for County Meath in 1875. Parnell’s impressive oratory skills and effective communication abilities earned him a respected reputation in the political sphere. In 1879, he founded the Irish National Land League, advocating for fair rent, fixed tenure, and free sale of land for farmers. Parnell’s heroic image was further solidified when he successfully defended himself against forgery accusations by Richard Piggott. However, his downfall came in 1889 when his extramarital affair with Katherine O’Shea, the wife of Captain O’Shea, was exposed. Despite this scandal, Parnell remains highly revered by Irish parliamentary republicans and nationalists to this day.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Charles Stuart Parnell
- Died At Age: 45
- Family:
- Siblings: Anna Catherine Parnell, Fanny Parnell, John Howard Parnell
- Political Leaders
- Irish Men
- Political ideology: Political party – Irish Parliamentary Party
- Died on: October 6, 1891
- Place of death: Hove, East Sussex, England
- Ancestry: Welsh Irish, Scottish Irish, English Irish, American Irish
- Notable Alumni: Magdalene College, Cambridge
- Cause of Death: Pneumonia
- Founder/Co-Founder: Irish National Land League, Irish National League
- Education: Magdalene College, Cambridge
Childhood & Early Life
Charles Stewart Parnell was born on June 27, 1846, in County Wicklow, Ireland. He was the seventh of eleven children born to John Henry Parnell and Delia Tudor Stewart. His father was a wealthy Anglo-Irish landowner with a distant relationship with the British Royal family. Parnell grew up in a family that played a dominant role in the literary and political circles of Ireland. Despite being raised in the Church of England, he gradually moved away from it. After his parents separated when he was six years old, Parnell attended various schools in England. His father’s death in 1859 made him the inheritor of the Avondale Estate. Parnell attended Magdalene College, Cambridge from 1865-1869 but did not complete his degree due to financial difficulties.
Later Life
In 1875, Parnell was elected as the Home Rule League Member of Parliament for County Meath in the House of Commons. Initially, he was a silent spectator, observing parliamentary proceedings. However, within two years, he gained a reputation as an obstructionist and played a leading role in forcing the House to pay attention to Irish issues. Parnell’s organizational and tactical skills earned him a seat on the British organization’s presidency. He also gained the support of important Fenian leaders in the Irish struggle for self-government. In 1879, Parnell became the President of the Irish National Land League and actively campaigned for land reform. He made a successful trip to America in 1879, raising funds for famine relief and securing support for the Irish Home Rule League. Upon his return, Parnell supported William Gladstone’s candidacy as Prime Minister and was elected as the chairman of the Home Rule group in the parliament. He organized a massive land agitation in response to the rejection of moderate measures of Irish land reform by the House of Lords. Parnell’s efforts led to the passage of the 1881 Land Act, but he was imprisoned in Kilmainham jail in Dublin for encouraging boycotts.
Restructuring and Downfall
In 1882, Parnell negotiated the Kilmainham Treaty with William Gladstone, persuading his followers to stop violence. He restructured the Land League as the Irish National League, which continued its agrarian agitation and led to the passage of several land acts. Parnell also reorganized the Home Rule League Party as the Irish Parliamentary Party, introducing membership and professional selection of candidates. By 1884, the Irish National League was under Parnell’s control, and his popularity had a significant impact on the 1885 general election. Although Gladstone and the Liberal Party won the election, Gladstone supported the Irish National League. In 1886, Gladstone introduced the first Irish Home Rule Bill, but it was defeated, leading to the downfall of the Gladstone government. Parnell became the dominant figure in Irish nationalism and brought radicals into mainstream constitutional nationalism.
Scandal and Legacy
Parnell faced a scandal in 1889 when it was revealed that he had been in a love affair with Katherine O’Shea, the wife of his loyal supporter Captain O’Shea. Parnell fathered three children with Katherine, leading to a split in the party and his replacement as leader. He became politically inactive and his health gradually deteriorated. Parnell suffered from stomach cancer and a serious kidney disease and died on October 6, 1891, due to pneumonia. He left behind a controversial personal life but is remembered for his contributions to Irish nationalism. Ivy Day, celebrated on the first Sunday after October 6, commemorates Parnell’s contributions. He has been the subject of various works of literature, film, and television.