Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey Is Appointed as Commander of the Insurgent Forces in Wexford Town
May 31, 1798
Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey is appointed commander of the United Irish insurgent forces in Wexford Town during the 1798 Rebellion. Following the rebel capture of the town, a civilian government is established, composed of four Protestants and four Catholics, reflecting the non-sectarian ideals of the United Irishmen, who sought to unite Irish people of all faiths in pursuit of independence from British rule. Harvey, a Protestant barrister, symbolizes the cross-community leadership of the uprising, though internal divisions and military setbacks would soon follow.