An exciting opportunity to engage with British primary sources documenting the 1916 Rising. This members-only event will take place in The National Archives in Kew. In a supervised 2-hour session ILS members will have an opportunity to examine newspapers, proclamations and court martial files. The event is limited to 30 places. Please contact the Honorary Secretary to reserve a place, places will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis: irishlitsoc@gmail.com

On Easter Monday, 24 April 1916, members of the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army occupied buildings in Dublin and proclaimed an Irish Republic. The records at The National Archives in Kew have detailed information on the political and military activities as well as the events leading up to and following the Easter Rising. They also contain detailed information on some key figures of the Rising. With reference to these documents you will be encouraged to explore the intentions of the leaders of the Rising, public reaction and the British Government’s response to the Easter Rising and its aftermath.