Description:

'TROUBLES IN ULSTER' 1921 IRISH DIARY
Fine content diary written during 'The Troubles in Ulster' of the 1920s, a period of conflict in the Irish province of Ulster, from June 1920 until June 1922, during and after the Irish War of Independence and the partition of Ireland (and specifically of Ulster). In Ulster, it was mainly a communal conflict between unionists, who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom, and nationalists, who backed Irish independence: the unionists were mainly Ulster Protestants and the nationalists were mainly Irish Catholics. During this period, more than 500 people were killed in Belfast alone, 500 interned and 23,000 people were made homeless in the city, while approximately 50,000 people fled the province due to intimidation. Offered here is young F. W. Heaysman's diary, he apparently being an apprentice seaman or shipyard worker and a resident of Belfast, about 220+pp. 8vo., covering the 1921 calendar year. The diary covers a multitude of topics, also including news clippings, postcards, original illustrations, and handwritten text. On May 24, a printed election notice is pasted in the book with the notation: 'Unionists swept Board...Good number taken to hospital' On June 11, he notes: 'Rioting...Heard firing 10 - 10-45 pm. Bomb. Saw fires starting...' and in the following days: 'Many casualties....Opening of the Ulster Parliament by the King & Queen...Troop Train containing King's Escort 10th Hussars wrecked returning Dublin...' For July 9-10, he notes: 'Terrible Rioting Belfast & throughout week. Curfew reimposed...20 killed 150 wounded...' with a news clipping added. Soon, our diarist finds himself unemployed, apparently due to the shipyard closing, and he notes: 'Shooting & murder taking place almost incessantly. 17 killed 92 wounded...two clerks shot dead...2 trams smashed...shooting going on all around...unable to get employment anywhere...' The diary concludes with a summation of the poor man's meager income for the year and his income tax payment. Very good.

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March 27, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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