Repository: ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title: Allen Family Papers
Creator: Allen family
Collection Number: AIS.1977.14
Extent: 0.31 Linear Feet (1 box)
Date: 1867
Abstract: The collection contains materials regarding William P. Allen, member of an Irish nationalist society know as Fenians. Allen was hanged November 23, 1867 at New Barley Prison, Salford, England, for his participation in the Fenian attack at Manchester on a prison van containing Fenian prisoners. The collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia. Digital reproductions are available online.
Language: English .
Author: Archives Service Center Staff. Revisions occurred to the finding aid as a part of the encoding process on February 5, 2004.
Publisher: ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address: University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

Biography

William Philip Allen was executed November 23, 1867, in England for his participation in the Fenian Rebellion of 1867. The goal of this revolutionary rebellion was to establish an Irish republic. He was arrested and executed for his participation in the prison van rescue of fellow Fenians on September 18, 1867. The rescue was thwarted but not before the constable in charge of the van was killed. The would-be Fenian rescuers became known as the "Manchester Martyrs" Bitter public feeling was aroused in Ireland by their conviction on what many regarded as weak evidence.

Scope and Content Notes

This collection consists of original letters from William Philip Allen to his family in Ireland, as well as letters to his family from supporters. The collection also includes a few newsclips and handbill containing the poem, "God Save Ireland", composed by T.D. Sullivan, written to commemorate the "Manchester Martyrs". Photocopy and microfilm versions of the collection are also available.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Acquisition Information

The collection was received from the Irish Centre of Pittsburgh on May 14, 1977.

Previous Citation

Allen Family Papers, 1867, AIS.1977.14, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh

Preferred Citation

Allen Family Papers, 1867, AIS.1977.14, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

Existence and Location of Copies

This collection has been microfilmed and is available on one reel, AIS.1977.14 (Microfilm-cabinet 2, Drawer 2). It's also been digitized with access to the images in the finding aid.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Archives Service Center Staff in January 1978. Further processing by Carmela Rizzo in 2004.

Revision and rearrangement for the encoded version of the finding aid provided by Alesha Shumar in February 2009. Information about the collection title and the controlled access terms was extracted from the MARC record in the University of Pittsburgh catalog Voyager ID number: 1437677.

Copyright

Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.