Robert Emmet statue

Robert Emmet (4 March 1778 – 20 September 1803) was an Irish nationalist and Republican, orator and rebel leader born in Dublin, Ireland. He led an abortive rebellion against British rule in 1803 and was captured, tried and executed for high treason.

Robert Emmet came from a wealthy Protestant family who sympathized with Irish Catholics, namely their lack of fair representation in Parliament. The Emmet family also sympathized with the American Revolution. From a very early age Robert Emmet’s political and social aspirations views were defined. As an orator, some of his last words were made in a speech on the eve of his execution.