Events for August 14

August 14, 1850

The Irish Franchise Act is enacted and has the effect of increasing the electorate from 45,000 to 164,000

The Irish Franchise Act tightened voter registration, increasing the urban electorate and decreasing the rural electorate.

August 14, 1814

Mary O'Connell is born in Co. Limerick, known as Sister Anthony, she serves in the American Civil War as a nurse

Mary O’Connell, who became known as Sister Anthony, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, on August 15, 1814. She is best remembered for her selfless service as a nurse during the American Civil War, where she provided care to countless wounded soldiers and became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.”

August 14, 1907

H. Montgomery Hyde, author and unionist MP, is born in Belfast

H. Montgomery Hyde, an accomplished author, historian, and Unionist Member of Parliament (MP), was born on August 14, 1907, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Hyde was a prominent figure in British and Irish political and literary circles, known for his extensive writings on a wide range of topics, including legal history, biographies, and civil liberties.

August 14, 1903

The Land Purchase Act (Wyndham Act) is enacted and allows for entire estates to be purchased by the occupying tenantry, subsidized by the state

The Land Purchase (Ireland) Act of 1903, commonly known as the Wyndham Act, was a landmark piece of legislation that significantly advanced the process of land reform in Ireland. Named after George Wyndham, the Chief Secretary for Ireland who introduced the bill, the Act allowed tenant farmers to purchase the land they worked, with substantial financial support from the British government.