United Irishmen- Henry Joy McCracken

Henry Joy McCracken commanded the United Irishmen in the north of Ireland. He led his forces to attack British and Yeomanry troops at the Battle of Antrim on June 7, 1798. Despite his spirited attack, British reinforcements caused McCracken to order a retreat. The Yeomanry captured McCracken the following month. On July 17th, a court martial tried and hanged McCracken in Belfast for his leadership of the United Irishmen.

Henry Joy McCracken
Painted by Sarah Cecilia Harrison
1926
Oil on Canvas
© National Museums NI Collection Ulster Museum

According to his descendants, Henry Joy McCracken, commander of the United Irishmen in the north of Ireland, wore this green coat at the Battle of Antrim on June 7, 1798. McCracken lost the battle and was captured and hanged a month later for treason. His family held onto this coat as a relic of his sacrifice for Irish independence.

Coat 
ca. 1790 
Wool, Brass, Silver, Cotton
Courtesy of Board of Trustees of National Museums NI

According to his descendants, Henry Joy McCracken, commander of the United Irishmen in the north of Ireland, wore this green coat at the Battle of Antrim on June 7, 1798. McCracken lost the battle and was captured and hanged a month later for treason. His family held onto this coat as a relic of his sacrifice for Irish independence.

Coat 
ca. 1790 
Wool, Brass, Silver, Cotton
Courtesy of Board of Trustees of National Museums NI

According to his descendants, Henry Joy McCracken, commander of the United Irishmen in the north of Ireland, wore this green coat at the Battle of Antrim on June 7, 1798. McCracken lost the battle and was captured and hanged a month later for treason. His family held onto this coat as a relic of his sacrifice for Irish independence.

Coat 
ca. 1790 
Wool, Brass, Silver, Cotton
Courtesy of Board of Trustees of National Museums NI