Roger Casement, the Irish Volunteer

The trial for treason and execution of Roger Casement – humanitarian, homosexual and Irish Nationalist – which took place, in the wake of the Easter Rising of 1916, continues to resonate, as Andrew Lycett explains.

Casement in the dock at the Old Bailey during his trial

As Ireland works to find fitting ways to commemorate the centenary in April of the momentous Easter Rising, which helped spark its move towards independence, the contentious figure of Sir Roger Casement, the gay British diplomat turned militant Irish nationalist, who was hanged for treason after the Rising, refuses to go away. 

To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.

Start my trial subscription now

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.