Duchy of Lorraine

Sir,—The summary of the history of Lorraine at the end of the interesting article by Stephen Griffin and Jérémy Filet on Duke Leopold’s Irish subjects and Jacobitism in Lorraine, 1699–1727 (HI 26.3, May/June 2018), falls a bit short at the end in terms of factual precision and explanation of significance. As part of the negotiations … Read more

Independence Day

Sir,—If Ireland is to celebrate an Independence Day, as advocated by Dennis Kennedy (HI 26.3, May/June 2018, Platform), it should be on 14 December, because on that day in 1918 her voters, quietly and peaceably in the polling booths, determined that Ireland should be a sovereign and independent state. The Times, no friend of Ireland, … Read more

July 03

1970 Arlene Foster, leader of the DUP since 2015 and First Minister of Northern Ireland since January of this year, born in Enniskillen, Co.  Fermanagh. 03–05 1970 During a 34-hour illegal curfew on the Lower Falls Road, Belfast, during which over 100 weapons were found, clashes between Official and Provisional IRA gunmen and the British … Read more

ON THIS DAY

BY AODHÁN CREALEY   JULY 16/1936 George McMahon (36) achieved instant notoriety when he produced a revolver as King Edward VIII rode down Constitution Hill towards Buckingham Palace after reviewing troops in Hyde Park. The king, however, was unharmed. A special constable struck McMahon, sending the weapon skidding towards him and striking the hind leg … Read more