January 21st, 1793
The execution of Louis XVI, the King of France, during the French Revolution took place on January 21, 1793. As part of the events surrounding his execution, Louis XVI was attended by an Irish priest named Father (or Fr.) Edgeworth, who was with the king in his final moments. Louis XVI was executed by guillotine in the Place de la Révolution in Paris.
This historical event had significant repercussions in both France and beyond, as it marked a major turning point in the French Revolution and had international implications. The fact that an Irish priest was present during the execution of the French king highlights the connections between the events in France and the broader European context.
It’s interesting to note that Lord Edward FitzGerald, an Irish politician and revolutionary figure, did not appear in mourning following the execution of Louis XVI. This may have been due to his own political views and the complex political situation in Ireland at the time. FitzGerald was known for his involvement in the United Irishmen, a revolutionary organization seeking Irish independence, and he likely had his own reasons for not publicly mourning the French king’s execution.
