National Library releases Casement letters

The National Library has released a batch of letters written by Roger Casement, one of the most controversial figures in Irish history.

The notes were written by Casement while he was waiting to be executed for treason at Pentonville Prison in 1916.

Casement was a British diplomat by profession and was also well known as a poet, human rights campaigner and Irish nationalist.

The cache includes his final letter to his family, written on the eve of his execution; the notice from the Court of Criminal Appeal advising of the dismissal of his appeal; documents relating to the ‘degradation’ of his knighthood, and photographs.

Key items from the collection can be viewed online today through the NLI’s catalogue.