Events for August 12

August 12, 1922

Arthur Griffith, founder of Sinn Fein, dies of a cerebral hemorrhage

Arthur Griffith, the founder of Sinn Féin and a key figure in the Irish independence movement, died of a cerebral hemorrhage on August 12, 1922. His death occurred during a critical period in Irish history, just months after the establishment of the Irish Free State and in the midst of the Irish Civil War.

August 12, 1652

Act of Settlement 1652, also known as the To Hell or Connacht Act

Oliver Cromwell (April 25, 1599 – September 03, 1658) was an English military leader and politician. After leading the overthrow of the British monarchy, he ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland as Lord Protector from December 16, 1653 until his death. Cromwells actions made him very unpopular in Scotland and Ireland which, as previously independent nations, were effectively conquered by English forces during the civil wars.

August 12, 1870

Sir Hubert Gough, soldier and participant in Curragh mutiny of 1914, is born in Gurteen, Co. Waterford

Sir Hubert Gough, a distinguished British Army officer known for his role in the Curragh Mutiny of 1914 and his service during World War I, was born on August 12, 1870, in Gurteen, County Waterford, Ireland.

August 12, 1689

Relief of Derry, Ireland, a major Williamite victory

The Relief of Derry in 1689 was a significant event during the Williamite War in Ireland and is remembered as a major victory for the Williamite forces against the Jacobites. The siege and eventual relief of the city of Derry (now Londonderry) became a symbol of Protestant resistance to Catholic King James II and his supporters, who sought to regain the English throne.