Ireland

Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin receives its first prisoners

Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, one of Ireland’s most infamous prisons, received its first prisoners on August 12, 1796. The gaol, which was initially known as the “New Gaol” to distinguish it from an older facility it replaced, became closely associated with some of the most significant events in Irish history, particularly the struggle for independence.

Orange Order 1st Twelfth

The Loyal Orange Institution, commonly known as the Orange Order, is an international Protestant fraternal order based in Northern Ireland and primarily associated with Ulster Protestants, particularly those of Ulster Scots heritage.

Scottish explorer Mungo Park reached the source of the river Niger in Africa.

John Pitt Kennedy, civil engineer; road and railway pioneer in India, is born in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal

The Insurrection Act imposes curfews, arms searches, and the death penalty for oath-taking

The last decade of the 1700s was a most important time in Irish history. Republicanism and Loyalism both found real identity, the Orange Order and Maynooth College were both founded as the century ended with the rebellion in Ireland.

Theobald Wolf Tone, arrives in France seeking assistance

Theobald Wolfe Tone, a leading figure in the Irish Republican movement and one of the founding members of the United Irishmen, arrived in France in 1796 seeking military assistance to support a rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Wolfe Tone sought to secure French support for the Irish cause, leveraging the revolutionary fervor of the time and France’s rivalry with Britain.

Edward King, Viscount Kingsborough, student and promoter of Mexican antiquities, is born in Cork

Edward King, Viscount Kingsborough (1795-1837), was known for his interest in Mexican antiquities and his contributions to the study and promotion of Mexican history and culture. Here are some key points about his life and work:

Battle of the Diamond

The Battle of the Diamond takes place near Loughgall, County Armagh, between the Protestant Peep o’ Day Boys and the Catholic Defenders. The violent clash results in the deaths of around 30 Defenders. In the aftermath, the victors go on to found the Loyal Orange Institution — later known as the Orange Order — with the declared aim of defending “the King and his religion.” This event marks a turning point in the sectarian tensions of 18th-century Ireland.

An Act provides for the establishment of a Catholic seminary

James Boswell, Scottish biographer of Samuel Johnson- died.

James Boswell, 9th Laird of Auchinleck (October 29, 1740 - May 19, 1795) was a lawyer, diarist, and author born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the eldest son of a judge, Alexander Boswell, 8th Laird of Auchinleck and his wife Euphemia Erskine, Lady Auchinleck. He is best known as the biographer of Samuel Johnson. His name has passed into the English language as a term (Boswell, Boswellian, Boswellism) for a constant companion and observer.