John Allen (Irish nationalist) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Allen
Born	c. 1780 Dublin, Ireland
Died	10 February 1855 Caen, France
Allegiance	United Irishmen First French Empire
Rank	Colonel
Unit	Irish Legion
Battles/wars	Irish rebellion of 1803, Peninsular War, Saxon Campaign 1813

John Allen (born around 1780, died 1855) was an important Irish leader. He was part of the Society of United Irishmen, a group that wanted Ireland to be a free country. They hoped Ireland would become an independent republic.

In 1803, he tried to start a rebellion with Robert Emmet, but it didn't work. After this, he had to leave Ireland and live in France. There, he joined the army of Napoleon and served with great skill.

John Allen: An Irish Patriot

John Allen was born in Dublin, Ireland. His family was Protestant. For a while, he worked in a clothing business there. He joined the Society of United Irishmen. This group planned to work with France to help Ireland become independent. They also hoped for a rising by other groups in England.

In 1798, John Allen was arrested while trying to go to France. He faced serious charges in a trial in England. The authorities found a letter that seemed to invite France to invade. This letter was proof that some people wanted French help. John Allen and others were found not guilty.

After the Irish rebellion in 1798 was stopped, Allen continued his work. He joined Robert Emmet to try and restart the movement. They wanted to organize it more like a military group. In 1800, he might have traveled with Emmet to Spain to meet other Irish people living there.

The 1803 Rebellion Attempt

In July 1803, an accident happened in Dublin. One of their hidden weapons stores exploded. This forced Allen and Emmet to act quickly. They decided to try and take control of the city.

John Allen led a group of rebels. Some people said his group had about 300 members. However, his group could not meet up with Emmet's group in another part of the city. Emmet did not know Allen was coming. So, Emmet told his own men to break up. The plan to take the city failed, and things became very messy.

It is said that John Allen escaped Dublin by wearing a uniform from a local college. He was then hidden in a large barrel. This barrel was carried to a dock and put on a ship going to France.

Serving in the French Army

Once in France, John Allen joined the Irish Legion. This was a special group of Irish soldiers in the French army. Myles Byrne, another Irish leader, was also part of this group.

Allen served in Spain during the Peninsular War. He led a brave attack to capture the city of Astorga in 1810. He was also held captive by Spanish fighters for some time. He rose through the ranks and became a high-ranking officer in 1814.

When Napoleon returned to power for a short time in 1815, Allen supported him. After Napoleon's final defeat, the British government wanted Allen to surrender. But Allen managed to escape while being taken to the border. His guards may have helped him get away.

In 1815, Allen and five other Irish Legion officers faced new accusations. The French government accused them of working against the government and supporting Napoleon. John Allen and Myles Byrne successfully argued their case. They avoided being sent away from France.

Later Life in France

After retiring from the army, John Allen lived in France. He first lived in a town called Tours. Later, he moved to Caen in Normandy.

In the early 1840s, Allen secretly returned to Ireland. He went to bring his elderly sisters back to live with him in Caen. Myles Byrne wrote in his memories that John Allen died in Caen on February 10, 1855. He seemed to have never married. His property went to his sisters.

A doctor named Thomas Dromgoole met Allen in France in 1820. He said that Allen was a very strong and determined person. He believed Allen "would have been fit to fill the highest situation in Ireland." This shows how much respect people had for John Allen.