Feargus O'Connor

Feargus Edward O'Connor-crop

Feargus Edward O'Connor (18 July 1796 – 30 August 1855) was an Irish Chartist leader and advocate of the Land Plan. He was a prominent figure in the Chartist movement, which sought political reforms in the United Kingdom during the 19th century.

Early Life

Feargus O'Connor was born in County Cork, Ireland, into a prominent Irish family. He was the son of Roger O'Connor and the nephew of the Irish revolutionary Arthur O'Connor. He was educated at Portarlington Grammar School and later attended Trinity College Dublin.

Political Career

O'Connor initially pursued a career in law but soon became involved in politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for County Cork in 1832, representing the Repeal Association led by Daniel O'Connell. However, he was disqualified in 1835 due to a legal technicality regarding his eligibility.

Chartism

O'Connor became a leading figure in the Chartist movement, which aimed to achieve political reforms including universal male suffrage, the secret ballot, and payment for MPs. He founded the Northern Star newspaper in 1837, which became the voice of the Chartist movement.

The Land Plan

One of O'Connor's most ambitious projects was the Chartist Co-operative Land Company, later known as the National Land Company. The plan aimed to buy land and establish smallholdings for working-class families, allowing them to become self-sufficient. Despite initial enthusiasm, the plan ultimately failed due to financial difficulties and legal challenges.

Later Life and Death

O'Connor's health began to decline in the late 1840s, and he was eventually declared insane in 1852. He spent his final years in the Royal Bethlem Hospital in London, where he died on 30 August 1855. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.

Legacy

Feargus O'Connor remains a controversial figure in British history. While some view him as a champion of the working class and a visionary reformer, others criticize his leadership and the failure of the Land Plan. His contributions to the Chartist movement, however, are widely acknowledged.

See Also

• Chartism
• Northern Star (Chartist newspaper)
• National Land Company
• Daniel O'Connell
• Kensal Green Cemetery