Redmond, John Edward, 1856-1918

John Edward Redmond (1856-1918), politician, was born at Ballytrent House, county Wexford, on 1 September 1856, and educated at Clongowes and Trinity College, Dublin. He was M.P. for New Ross, County Wexford, 1881-1885, and North Wexford, 1885-1891. Redmond led the supporters of C.S. Parnell in parliament after Parnell's death in 1891, and that year was returned for the seat of Waterford. He became chairman of the reunited Irish party in 1900. During the First World War, he promoted recruitment in Ireland, but opposed her inclusion in the national service bill of 1916. Throughout his career, Redmond sought a free Ireland that remained part of the Empire. He died in London on 6 March 1918.

From the guide to the John Redmond: Documents on Irish affairs, c. 1959 (copies of originals of 1914-1918), (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)