Cumann na mBan - List of PrisonersIrish Civil War: Cumann na...

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€550 - €750

Cumann na mBan - List of Prisoners

Irish Civil War: Cumann na mBan, A contemporary 5pp typed list of Female Prisoners who had been incarcerated in Kilmainham Jail, dated 17th March (St. Patrick's Day) 1923, listing some 210 prisoners,most with surname, Christian name and home address, some with additional notes, including "released unconditionally, stretcher case," and with later biographical pencil annotations to some names, including "gone to America" "gone to England," "entered convent,'' "signed form" "dead" etc. Stains to each page, some tears but virtually all names and addresses fully decipherable and an interesting Archive. (1)

This is believed to be the most complete listing known, either in private or public hands, of the female prisoners interned in Kilmainham Jail during the Irish Civil War, including 210 of the 270 prisoners who eventually passed thought it's gates. The 270 women prisoners were later transferred to the North Dublin Union, commencing 30th April 1923. The list was compiled at the Intelligence Headquarters of the Anti-Treaty forces from lists smuggled out of Kilamainham Jail by the female prisoners, and the date at the head of the list is interesting, being the same day on which 97 women went on hunger strike after all privileges were withdrawn (it is believed that it was drawn up to assist in keeping track of events, hence the appended notes "released unconditionally, stretcher case" "released, signed paper").