Thomas J. Clarke (1857-1916) was an Irish revolutionary who was one of the main leaders of the nationalist movement of the 1900s. The main organizer of the Easter Rising in 1916, Thomas Clarke was eventually captured and executed as an example to others. He is one of those Irish Republican martyrs whom the Irish still salute to this day.
Thomas J. Clarke was born on the Isle of Wight on March 11, 1857, into a military family. His father was a sergeant in the British army, while his mother stayed at home. Clarke’s father was soon assigned to the town of Dungannon in County Tyrone, where Thomas Clarke spent most of his childhood.
At the age of 18, Thomas J. Clarke decided to join the IRB and left for London in 1883 to dynamite a London bridge. He was finally arrested, tried and jailed for 15 years in England.
In 1898, Clarke was finally released and married Kathleen Daly. The newly-wed couple left Ireland for the United States, where Clarke was leading an extensive campaign to raise awareness of the nationalist cause. He only returned to Ireland in 1907, opened a tobacco store and continued his political activities. It was at this time that he met Sean MacDermott, another militant of the nationalist cause. The two struck up a close friendship that would last until their deaths.
Around 1915, the IRB, along with prominent members of the nationalist cause, decided to plan a massive revolt that would later become known as the Easter Insurrection. The revolt was scheduled for April 1916, and already Thomas J. Clarke was busy making preparations, massively recruiting soldiers, and beginning to implement an attack strategy.
His involvement soon earned him widespread recognition among the other members. He was even asked to take on the role of official President of the Republic of Ireland, but refused, ceding the title to Patrick Pearse (1879-1916).
When the insurrection broke out, Clarke took possession of Dublin’s Central Post Office and held a week-long siege. From here, he commands operations and directs his army.
After a week of fierce fighting, the revolt was finally put down by the British, and Thomas J. Clarke was imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol. He was then shot by a firing squad on May 3, 1916, along with other members of the revolt.
Today, Thomas J. Clarke remains a highly respected Irish fugitive. Considered a heroic figure, he was also one of the many Irish martyrs who fought for the establishment of an autonomous Irish Republic.
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