Publications | Down Survey | 2003 Issue Contents

Thomas Russell and County Down: Marking the Bi-centenary
Linda McKenna

The museum marked the bi-centenary of the execution of Thomas Russell, the most famous prisoner held in the old County Gaol of Down, and the rebellion of 1803 with a comprehensive series of activities designed to illuminate issues surrounding this crucial period in our history. The programme was launched in January 2003 with an opening lecture by Dr James Quinn of the Royal Irish Academy. Over one hundred people attended this event and large and appreciative audiences were present at all of the Russell themed events. At the official launch accompanying the lecture, Councillor Albert Colmer of Down District Council praised the purpose of the museum's programme which was to encourage discussion and debate so as to lead to greater understanding of the reality of the past, rather than to a reaffirmation of perceived (often inaccurate) notions of history.

Staff at the museum were concerned to ensure that the activities on offer would appeal to as wide an audience as possible, so talks and lectures were interspersed throughout the year with living history, drama and tours. During the May bank holiday over six hundred people enjoyed lively re-enactments of Russell's last days in the Gaol of Down presented by Northern Period Productions. The performances brought a mixed audience of adults and families face to face with some of those whom Russell would have encountered in the gaol. Characters included local landowner and magistrate Matthew Forde, one of those who took depositions from witnesses to Russell's activities around Loughinisland, the Rev Arthur Forde, the gaol's Anglican chaplain, some of the soldiers and militiamen who guarded Russell, and Mary Ann McCracken. Thomas Russell himself was played by Hugo McGuinness. As well as gaining an understanding of the combination of religious faith and social radicalism that motivated Russell, visitors also enjoyed the witty repartee between Matthew and Arthur Forde, thrilled to the firearms demonstrations of the militiamen and relished the gossip of town matters between a soldier and his wife. The re-enactments certainly conjured up a flavour of the unique atmosphere which would have prevailed in the County town during the days of Russell's imprisonment and trial. Northern Period Productions repeated the events in August and October and several hundred people attended these.

In June 2003 a number of other events took place. The Hearts of Down, a cross-community group of local historians, launched a new publication examining the legacy of Thomas Russell in County Down. A Man Stepped Out For Death was edited by Brian Turner and contained articles by Kenneth Dawson, Philip Orr, Deirdre Armstrong and Richard Ferguson QC. On Saturday 7 June a one day conference examining the "real man from God knows where" was held. Eighty people, including a contingent from Dromahane, Thomas Russell's birthplace, attended this event, which featured lectures by John Grey, James Quinn, C J Woods, Deirdre Armstrong and a recitation of the poem "the man from God knows where" by Denis Cahill. The day concluded with many participants visiting Russell's grave in St Margaret's churchyard. During the summer other events included a bus tour of sites associated with Russell and more living history.

For many people the highlight of the programme was the production of a new play by Philip Orr. "The Final Words of Thomas Russell" had three sell-out shows at the museum. Featuring award-winning young local actor, Will Irvine, the play provided audiences with a riveting and moving night's entertainment as Russell's fears, foibles and life's progress were brought to life in an unforgettable performance. The play will tour around other venues in Ireland.

The final public event in the museum's Russell programme was a closing lecture by Professor Marianne Elliott. The museum was delighted to welcome Marianne Elliott to the museum to unofficially and informally 'wind up' the year's events. The text of her lecture is given elsewhere in this publication. The very last activity to take place this year was a series of mock trials for secondary schools organised by the museum and held in Downpatrick Courthouse in November.

The museum would like to thank all of the visitors, local and from further afield, who 'turned out' to the many and diverse events we held this year. The large numbers of people attending the events showed the deep concern County Down people have in understanding more about the often complex history of this area. The museum is grateful to the organisations and individuals who helped us with our programme, the Friends of Down County Museum, and the Hearts of Down, Downpatrick Courthouse. We also acknowledge the financial assistance of other bodies, the Community Relations Council for sponsorship of the conference and drama, and the Community Relations Unit of the OFMDFM Down District Council Community Relations and Development Section for sponsorship towards our lecture programme and living history events.

Linda McKenna is Community Education Officer at Down County Museum.