Henry Howley facts for kids

Henry Howley (1775? - 1803) was an important figure in the United Irishmen movement. He was involved in a plan led by Robert Emmet in 1803 to take over Dublin Castle. An event involving Howley and a weapon on the day of the uprising significantly affected the plan's outcome.

Early Life and Beliefs

Howley was born around 1775 in Roscrea, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was a Protestant. He joined the United Irishmen, a group that wanted Ireland to be an independent country. They believed Ireland should be a democratic republic, free from British rule and the control of the Irish Parliament at the time.

Role in the United Irishmen

Howley's exact role in the rebellion of 1798 is not fully clear. However, it seems he helped the rebels get weapons. This shows his dedication to the cause of Irish independence.

Preparing for the Uprising

In 1802, Howley became involved in Robert Emmet's new plans for an uprising in Dublin. Howley was a skilled carpenter. He rented a building in Thomas Street where he oversaw the making and storing of weapons. These weapons included pikes, rockets, and climbing tools.

On the day of the planned uprising, 23 July 1803, authorities raided the Thomas Street building. They found a large collection of weapons hidden behind false walls.

The Day of the Uprising

Howley had a key role in the plan to capture Dublin Castle. He was supposed to bring men and weapons hidden in six coaches. However, while in Bridgefoot Street, he became involved in a street argument. During this event, a weapon was fired, and Colonel Lyde Brown was killed.

Howley then left the scene, abandoning the coaches and his fellow rebels. Robert Emmet later felt that this incident greatly contributed to the failure of his uprising plan.

Capture and Fate

Howley went into hiding after the incident. However, a fellow worker named Anthony Finnerty told Major Sirr where Howley was. When Major Sirr's men tried to arrest him, Howley resisted. He shot one of the major's men and escaped into a hayloft in Pool Street.

He was soon captured there. Howley admitted to being involved in Colonel Brown's death. He was sentenced to death by a special court and was executed on 27 September 1803.