Battle of Prosperous facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Prosperous
Part of the Irish Rebellion of 1798
Attack on Prosperous by George Cruikshank
Date 24 May 1798 Location Prosperous, County Kildare 53°17′16″N 6°45′21″W / 53.2878°N 6.7558°W / 53.2878; -6.7558 Result United Irishmen victory
Belligerents
United Irishmen	Ireland  Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
John Esmonde	Richard Swayne
Strength
200	150
Casualties and losses
Unknown, probably few	c. 40 killed

The Battle of Prosperous was an important fight during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. It happened on May 24, 1798, in the town of Prosperous, County Kildare, Ireland. This battle was between Irish rebels, known as the Society of United Irishmen, and soldiers from the British Crown. The rebels won this battle.

What Was Prosperous?

Prosperous was a town founded in 1780 by Sir Robert Brooke. It was built to process cotton that came from the Americas. At the time, Ireland was under British rule. Many Irish people wanted more freedom and their own government.

The Start of the Rebellion

In 1798, a big rebellion began across Ireland. It was led by the United Irishmen. They wanted to end British control and create an independent Ireland. As part of their plan, they aimed to capture important towns. Prosperous was one of these targets.

The Forces Involved

The rebel forces were led by John Esmonde. He had about 200 rebels under his command. These rebels were often farmers and ordinary people. They were fighting for their freedom.

Defending Prosperous

Prosperous was defended by about 150 soldiers. These soldiers were part of the Royal Cork City Militia. They were led by Captain Richard Swayne. There were also some Welsh soldiers with them. These soldiers were called the Ancient British Regiment of Fencible Cavalry Dragoons. They were also known as the Ancient Britons.

The Attack on Prosperous

On May 24, 1798, John Esmonde led his rebels to attack Prosperous. Before the main attack, a small group of rebels went into the town. They might have had help from women living in Prosperous. These rebels climbed the walls of the soldiers' barracks. They quietly dealt with the guards and opened the town gates.

The Battle at the Barracks

Once the gates were open, the main rebel force rushed in. They quickly surrounded the barracks where the soldiers were staying. The soldiers tried to fight their way out, but the rebels stopped them. Captain Swayne was killed during the attack.

Many soldiers were trapped inside the barracks. The rebels set the building on fire. To escape the flames, some soldiers had to jump from the upper floors. When they landed, they were captured or killed by the rebels. The rebels had very few casualties, meaning almost no one was hurt or killed on their side. About 40 of the defending soldiers were killed in the battle.

What Happened Next?

After the battle, 10 soldiers from the Ancient Britons managed to escape. They went to Dunlavin, County Wicklow. There, they were involved in later events.

John Esmonde's Fate

John Esmonde, the rebel leader, was later caught by British forces. He was taken to Dublin for trial. Esmonde had once been a lieutenant in a local defense group called the Clane Yeomanry. Because of this, he was tried by a military court on June 13. He was found guilty of leaving his post, which is called being a deserter.

Esmonde was executed by hanging on June 14 at Carlisle Bridge. He wore his coat inside out. This was a sign that he had been found guilty of desertion.

Prosperous After the Battle

The United Irishmen controlled Prosperous until June 19. On that day, a group of soldiers from the 5th Dragoon Guards recaptured the town. They were led by Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart.