Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Billy, Victoria and Betsy - the complexities of the 1798 Rebellion and 'liberty-loving ancestors'


This is from an article by Harry Craig (1921–78; biography here) in Dublin periodical The Bell in 1943. It's a brilliant observation showing the complexities of the 1798 Rebellion and folk memory. I have never before seen a reference to framed portraits of Betsy Gray. But its no surprise to hear that she took her place alongside King Billy and Queen Victoria. 'Times are different' alright. I have picked up a few very interesting 1940s copies of The Bell, of which I might post more here.


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