There have been a great number of prison escapes throughout history. Some are meticulously planned affairs that take months, or even years, to plan and ensure everything is in its proper place and ready for the big escape. Others seem to prop up at just the right opportunity, where a keen-eyed an intelligent prisoner is able to quickly assess an ever-changing situation and make their daring dash for freedom on a whim. And then there are escapes like that of James Stephens, that requires a bit of planning and a massive amount of "Luck of the Irish" that would see him stay in prison for less than two weeks!
Join Conor this week as he takes us through the crazy escape of James Stephens from Richmond Bridewell prison from 1865. Seemingly a Fenian and Irish Republican from birth, Stephens lived a life that saw him be present for some pretty major events in world history as well as found prominent movements in Ireland that sought Irish independence in the mid-to-late 19th century. His time in prison was courtesy of these Fenian loyalties, but would the same man who went in to Richmond Bridewell be that same charismatic leader they would need when he left shortly after? Well for those looking to break him out they certainly hoped he was, and you'll see the efforts they went through just to break this one man out.
This episode was hosted by Conor Daly and joined by Arron Keegan and Hayley O'Connor. The intro and outro music - Strollin' Along - was recorded by David Renda. Follow us on social media and join our Discord server by following the links below!
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Sources & Further Reading:
- Durney, James, "Jailbreak: Irish Republican Escapes 1865-1983".
- McQuillan, Peter, "James Stephens", https://kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie/james-stephens/ .
- O'Donovan Rossa, Jeremiah, "Rossa's Recollections, 1838 to 1898".
- Ramón, Marta, "A Provisional Dictator: James Stephens and the Fenian Movement".
- Ramón, Marta, "James, Stephens", https://www.dib.ie/biography/stephens-james-a8277 .
-Ryan, Desmond, "The Fenian Chief: A Biography of James Stephens".
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Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(00:30) Episode Start
(03:42) The Early Life of James Stephens
(16:55) Return From France, and Founding the Irish Republican Brotherhood
(25:31) The Arrests Begin
(29:15) The Plan and Escape from Richmond Bridewell Prison
(41:18) The Aftermath of the Escape
(49:30) Post Show Banter
