Description

The Battle of Antrim: The Story of 1798 by Stephen McCracken is a comprehensive history of the Battle of Antrim, one of the pivotal engagements of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Published by Springfarm Publishing in 2020, the book provides a detailed, hour-by-hour reconstruction of the events surrounding the rebel assault on Antrim on 7 June 1798.

The narrative follows the campaign led by Henry Joy McCracken, commander of the United Irishmen in Ulster, who sought to unite Presbyterians, Catholics, and other reformers in an uprising against British rule. Beginning with the planning of the rebellion, the book traces the mobilisation of rebel forces, their march toward Antrim, and the fierce fighting that unfolded within the town before British reinforcements secured victory.

One of the book’s distinguishing features is its extensive research into the people who participated in the battle. McCracken compiles names of soldiers, rebels, local residents, and officers from surviving records, estate documents, newspapers, and oral traditions, helping to preserve the identities of those involved in this historic confrontation.

Beyond the military action, the author examines the wider political and social background of the rebellion, explaining how revolutionary ideas inspired by the American Revolution and the French Revolution influenced the United Irish movement. The book also explores the aftermath of the battle, including reprisals, executions, and the long-lasting impact of the failed uprising on Ulster communities.

Key Themes

• The Battle of Antrim during the Irish Rebellion of 1798
• Henry Joy McCracken and the United Irishmen
• Revolutionary ideals and political reform in Ireland
• Military strategy and battlefield reconstruction
• Local history of County Antrim
• Biographical research on battle participants
• British military response and aftermath of the rebellion
• Historical memory and commemoration of 1798

Written in an accessible style while grounded in meticulous historical research, The Battle of Antrim: The Story of 1798 appeals to readers interested in Irish military history, the United Irishmen, County Antrim heritage, genealogy, and the revolutionary history of Ireland. It offers both a compelling narrative of the battle itself and a valuable reference for understanding one of the defining events of the 1798 rebellion.