Fenians and Whitechapel

Who were the Fenians?

Irish immigrants were often associated with Fenianism and seen as terrorists.

What did the Fenians believe?

There was a political movement of Irish nationalism at the time and many Irish people wanted their own government and home rule. The extremist members of this movement were called Fenians.

What did the Fenians do?

In the second half of the 19th century the Fenians committed 2 key violent acts:

• ❖ In 1867, they blew up the wall of Clerkenwell Prison in London, killing several civilians.
• ❖ The 24th January, 1885, sometimes known as 'Dynamite Sunday' or the 'Fenian Dynamite Campaign', when the Fenians tried to blow up several London landmarks.

What were English attitudes to Fenians?

Many English people saw the Fenians as religious fanatics and terrorists, and they associated Irish immigrants with Fenianism. This caused tension and suspicion.