1849 - Queen's Visit

Queen Victoria made her first visit to Ireland, arriving in Cobh (then Queenstown) amid elaborate celebrations and tight security. The visit, occurring during the aftermath of the Great Famine, highlighted the complex relationship between the British monarchy and Ireland. Despite official welcomes, the timing of the visit during a period of continued emigration and hardship generated significant criticism.

1916 - Casement Trial

The trial of Roger Casement for high treason began at the Old Bailey in London. The proceedings, which focused on Casement's efforts to secure German support for the Easter Rising, would become a cause célèbre. The British government's subsequent publication of Casement's private diaries, in an effort to discredit him, would remain controversial for decades.

1974 - UWC Strike

The Ulster Workers Council strike began, marking a crucial moment in Northern Ireland's history. The strike, which would eventually bring down the power-sharing executive, demonstrated the power of loyalist industrial action and the limitations of British authority in Northern Ireland. The success of the strike effectively ended the first major attempt at power-sharing between unionists and nationalists.