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William Smith Obrien Collection

William Smith O'Brien was an Irish nationalist leader and politician who played a significant role in the fight for Irish independence during the mid-19th century

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: Attack on the police by the people under Smith O Brien in Ballingarry, County Tipperary

Attack on the police by the people under Smith O Brien in Ballingarry, County Tipperary
KW468269 Attack on the police by the people under Smith O Brien in Ballingarry, County Tipperary, Ireland in 1848, from The History of Ireland by Thomas Wright

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: William Smith O'Brien mustering the Irish at Mullinahone, County Tipperary

William Smith O'Brien mustering the Irish at Mullinahone, County Tipperary, Ireland during the Rebellion of 1848
3083175 William Smith O'Brien mustering the Irish at Mullinahone, County Tipperary, Ireland during the Rebellion of 1848.; Private Collection; (add.info.: William Smith O'Brien, 1803 - 1864)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: Smith O Brian, between 1855 and 1865. Creator: Unknown

Smith O Brian, between 1855 and 1865. Creator: Unknown
Smith O Brian, between 1855 and 1865. [Possibly a portrait of rebel Irish politician William Smith O Brien]

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: Arrest of Irish nationalist political leader William Smith O Brien, 1848 (engraving)

Arrest of Irish nationalist political leader William Smith O Brien, 1848 (engraving)
3656181 Arrest of Irish nationalist political leader William Smith O Brien, 1848 (engraving) by Warren, Henry (1794-1879) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: The Insurrection in Ireland (engraving)

The Insurrection in Ireland (engraving)
1617583 The Insurrection in Ireland (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Insurrection in Ireland)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: The 'Liberator'visiting Mr Smith O Brien in his Prison (engraving)

The "Liberator"visiting Mr Smith O Brien in his Prison (engraving)
1594121 The " Liberator" visiting Mr Smith O Brien in his Prison (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: The Irish State Trials, Mrs O Brien conveyed Rack to Prison, after the Sentence (engraving)

The Irish State Trials, Mrs O Brien conveyed Rack to Prison, after the Sentence (engraving)
1617681 The Irish State Trials, Mrs O Brien conveyed Rack to Prison, after the Sentence (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Irish State Trials)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: Mr Smith O Brien, MP, in Custody at the House of Commons (engraving)

Mr Smith O Brien, MP, in Custody at the House of Commons (engraving)
1101868 Mr Smith O Brien, MP, in Custody at the House of Commons (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Smith O Brien, MP)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: Scene at the Post-Office at Clonmel, after the Sentence of Mrs O Brien (engraving)

Scene at the Post-Office at Clonmel, after the Sentence of Mrs O Brien (engraving)
1617685 Scene at the Post-Office at Clonmel, after the Sentence of Mrs O Brien (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Scene at the Post-Office at Clonmel)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: O Brien shaking Hands with Constabulary (engraving)

O Brien shaking Hands with Constabulary (engraving)
1617582 O Brien shaking Hands with Constabulary (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: O Brien shaking Hands with Constabulary)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: The Irish State Trials (engraving)

The Irish State Trials (engraving)
1617676 The Irish State Trials (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Irish State Trials. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 7 October 1848)

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: Mr. Smith O Brien M. P. 1844. Creator: Unknown

Mr. Smith O Brien M. P. 1844. Creator: Unknown
Mr. Smith O Brien M.P. 1844. Portrait of Irish politician William Smith O Brien, who...votes for the extinction of tithes and the ballot

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: William Smith O Brien, (1803-1864), 19th century

William Smith O Brien, (1803-1864), 19th century. Irish Nationalist and Member of Parliament (MP), leader of the Young Ireland movement

Background imageWilliam Smith Obrien Collection: Irish nationalists at Mullinahone acclaiming William Smith O Brien as their leader, July 1848

Irish nationalists at Mullinahone acclaiming William Smith O Brien as their leader, July 1848
Muster of Irish nationalists at Mullinahone acclaiming William Smith O Brien (1803-1864) as their leader, July 1848. The Insurrection failed


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William Smith O'Brien was an Irish nationalist leader and politician who played a significant role in the fight for Irish independence during the mid-19th century. One of his notable actions was leading an attack on the police by the people in Ballingarry, County Tipperary. This event showcased his determination to challenge British rule and sparked further resistance across Ireland. Throughout his political career, Smith O'Brien faced numerous challenges and setbacks. In 1848, he was arrested for his involvement in the insurrection against British rule, as depicted in an engraving from that time. Despite being imprisoned, he remained a symbol of hope for many Irish nationalists. During his imprisonment, Smith O'Brien received a visit from Daniel O'Connell, known as "The Liberator, " highlighting their shared commitment to achieving Irish freedom. Engravings captured this significant moment when two influential figures united behind a common cause. The Irish State Trials were another pivotal point in Smith O'Brien's life. His wife, Mrs. O'Brien, bravely conveyed him to prison after he had been sentenced—a powerful image illustrating their unwavering dedication to each other and their beliefs. Even within the walls of Parliament itself, Smith O'Brien's presence continued to make waves. An engraving shows him in custody at the House of Commons—an enduring reminder that he fought tirelessly both inside and outside traditional political arenas. Despite facing adversity at every turn, William Smith O'Brien maintained resilience and even found moments of unexpected camaraderie with those on opposing sides. A touching engraving depicts him shaking hands with members of the Constabulary—an act that transcended divisions and emphasized humanity amidst conflict. Smith O’Brien's legacy endures through depictions such as these engravings—reminders of his courage and determination throughout Ireland's struggle for independence. His contributions continue to inspire generations seeking justice and freedom worldwide.