Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey is appointed commander of the United Irish insurgent forces in Wexford Town during the 1798 Rebellion. Following the rebel capture of the town, a civilian government is established, composed of four Protestants and four Catholics, reflecting the non-sectarian ideals of the United Irishmen, who sought to unite Irish people of all faiths in pursuit of independence from British rule. Harvey, a Protestant barrister, symbolizes the cross-community leadership of the uprising, though internal divisions and military setbacks would soon follow.