Whiteboys
The Whiteboys were one of a few 18th-century secret societies formed in Ireland, comprised of marginalized tenant farmers. The Whiteboys, alongside similar organizations such as the Hearts of Oaks, conducted violent raids in retaliation against oppressive policies enacted by the economic and societal elite. They were named so for the white shirts and hoods they wore while operating.[1]
History[edit | edit source]
Early formation[edit | edit source]
The Whiteboys emerged between 1735 and 1760 in response to widespread agrarian grievances and economic hardships faced by rural tenant farmers. The organization gained momentum due to discontent with landlords and a desire for fair treatment. Their activities escalated, culminating in their first recorded raid in 1761. Major outbreaks of Whiteboy raids continued until 1786.[2]
Bolster estate raid[edit | edit source]
In 1822, the Whiteboys raided the estate of Brandon Bolster, an English landlord in County Cork, Ireland. Bolster had recently converted his land from farming land to grazing pastures for cattle, putting many of the local tenant farmers out of work. After already killing some cattle and vandalizing nearby estates, the Whiteboys turned their ire onto the Bolsters. With a warning having been issued the day before, a mob appeared at the estate one night, though some of its members like Michael Dooley were recognized by the Bolsters. Brandon tried to repel the attackers with muskets alongside his family and some of his hired hands, but the Whiteboys managed to set the manor afire.[3]
Decline of Whiteboyism[edit | edit source]
By 1830, Whiteboyism and similar acts of rebellion were deemed illegal and punished by hanging. The Tumultuous Risings (Ireland) Act 1831 allowed for the deportation of Whiteboys and similar rebels to be transported to Australia.[4]
Legacy[edit | edit source]
In 2016, Sean Molloy, a paraplegic teenager, relived the Whiteboys' attack on the Bolster estate through the genetic memories of his ancestor Brandon Bolster.[3] Due to Sean's paralysis being caused by a drunk driver, he sympathized with his ancestor, who viewed the Whiteboys and their like as chaotic drunks.[1]
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Tomb of the Khan – Chapter 7
- ↑
Whiteboys on Wikipedia
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Tomb of the Khan – Chapter 3
- ↑ Tumultuous Risings (Ireland) Act 1831. Irish Statute Book. Retrieved on 9 December 2023.