Maud Gonne

Maud Gonne MacBride, born on December 21, 1866, at Tongham Manor near Farnham, Surrey, England, was not only known for her striking beauty but also for her fervent advocacy as an advanced nationalist and political activist. Often the muse for W.B. Yeats' love poetry, her influence extended far beyond her appearance.

Her lineage traced back to Captain Thomas Gonne of the 17th Lancers and his wife, Edith Frith Cook, both hailing from families of considerable social standing. Although her father's family were wealthy importers of Portuguese wines, Maud later claimed Irish origins, substantiating it with documentation. The Cooks, on the other hand, were prosperous London drapers.

Maud's childhood unfolded against a backdrop of nationalist fervour, compounded by personal tragedies. Her mother, Edith Gonne, succumbed to tuberculosis shortly after giving birth to her third child, Margaretta, in 1871. This disease cast a long shadow over Maud and her sister Kathleen's lives.

The family's return to Ireland brought them to Airfield, near Donnybrook, where they resided amidst notable neighbours, the Jamesons. However, the idyllic life was disrupted when Maud and Kathleen were sent to live with relatives in London. Despite the upheaval, Maud's exposure to the family's art collection and subsequent travels across Europe fostered a cosmopolitan outlook, rendering her equally at ease in France as in Ireland or England.

Maud's father's postings led to her witnessing significant historical events, such as the Phoenix Park murders in Dublin, a date etched in infamy.

Her involvement in the Ladies' Land League marked her early activism, advocating for tenant rights alongside the broader movement for land reform. Yet, it was her founding of the Daughters of Erin in 1900 that solidified her place in Irish nationalist history. This organization, dedicated solely to women, espoused a comprehensive agenda encompassing political, social, and feminist objectives, including full independence for Ireland, women's suffrage, and cultural revival.

Maud's legacy transcends mere activism; it's etched in the annals of the Irish independence struggle, particularly through her leadership in the Daughters of Erin. Her memoir, "A Servant of the Queen," offers glimpses into her life, albeit through her own mythologized lens.

By 1886, Maud Gonne had evolved into a fervent nationalist, deeply entrenched in Ireland's political landscape. She recounted proudly the moment she recited Emmet's oration, a stirring excerpt from The Spirit of the Nation (1845), at a public event attended by her father. Her nationalist sentiments blossomed further during her time in France and Germany, where she accompanied her great-aunt Mary, widow of the Comte de Sizeranne. Mary, aspiring to groom Maud as a professional beauty, had plans thwarted by Colonel Gonne, who whisked her away to Bayreuth for the Wagner festival.

Upon their return to Dublin, Colonel Gonne made a significant declaration to Maud, expressing his intention to resign his military commission and pursue a career as a home rule Member of Parliament. This decision, seemingly spurred by their shared revulsion at witnessing evictions, resonated deeply with Maud. Between January 1885 and November 1886, she resided primarily in Dublin, with intermittent trips to continental Europe. Tragically, Colonel Gonne succumbed to typhoid fever on November 30, 1886, leaving Maud and her sister Kathleen orphaned.

The aftermath saw Maud and Kathleen enduring a tumultuous period in London under the guardianship of their uncle William Gonne. Unaware of her impending inheritance, Maud endeavoured to launch an acting career, only to be besieged by tuberculosis, an affliction that plagued her for life. Seeking respite, she sought refuge in the French spa town of Royat in the Auvergne during the summer of 1887.

It was in Royat that Maud encountered Lucien Millevoye, a married journalist with staunch right-wing inclinations, notably supportive of General Boulanger and advocating for revanchism. Despite their significant age gap, a passionate affair ignited between Maud, aged 20, and Millevoye, mere months after her father's passing.

In December 1887, Maud's life took a pivotal turn upon inheriting substantial trust funds and assets from her mother's estate, amounting to over £13,000. Liberated from financial constraints, she embarked on a clandestine mission to Russia in early 1888, aligned with the Boulangist movement, as chronicled by Princess Catherine Radziwill. During this period, she encountered W.T. Stead, editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, who lauded her as one of the world's most beautiful women.

The relationship between Maud and Millevoye was not merely romantic but imbued with political fervour. Together, they envisaged redemption for their respective nations—France and Ireland—perceiving themselves as a united front against the British Empire. Maud's identity intertwined her personal and political spheres, shaping her outlook on life.

Returning to Dublin later in 1888, Maud found herself navigating an unconventional path, marked by independence and activism. Despite the societal norms of the time, she forged a bond with Ida Jameson, symbolized by rings inscribed with 'Éire,' reflecting their shared commitment to home rule. Immersing herself in nationalist circles, Maud became acquainted with prominent figures like John O'Leary, George Sigerson, and George Russell, among others.

Her magnetic presence and striking beauty left a lasting impression on those around her. Douglas Hyde, in his diary, marvelled at her dazzling allure, while William Butler Yeats, captivated by her beauty, found himself entwined in an unrequited love for her, reflected in over fifty poems he penned.

In January 1890, Maud gave birth to a son, Georges Sylvère, in Paris, the fruit of her liaison with Millevoye. Despite the challenges of single motherhood, she embraced her newfound role with resilience. Concurrently, Maud remained actively engaged in political activism, aligning herself with causes such as the Plan of Campaign in Donegal and amnesty campaigns in Britain.

Her involvement in various campaigns and her unwavering dedication to Ireland's cause earned her both admiration and criticism. Undeterred, Maud continued to champion nationalist movements, rallying support and galvanizing local communities. Her multifaceted persona, encompassing beauty, intellect, and activism, cemented her status as an iconic figure in Irish history.

Maud Gonne epitomized a woman who defied societal norms, transcending the limitations imposed by her gender. Despite facing rejection from prestigious organizations like the Celtic Literary Society, the National League, and the Irish Republican Brotherhood due to her sex, she remained undeterred. Her individuality was marked by attributes that set her apart from her contemporaries—her striking beauty, considerable wealth, distinctive style, and unwavering passions.

Undeterred by societal barriers, Maud plunged into the political arena, aligning herself with causes she deemed worthy. In June 1890, she campaigned alongside Harrington for the home rule candidate D. Duncan in Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire. Her activism extended beyond Irish shores; she delivered lectures in England on the harrowing realities of evictions and visited Fenian prisoners in Portland jail. Such was her impact that Yeats famously referred to her as 'the new Speranza'.

However, the toll of relentless campaigning took a toll on Maud's delicate health. Despite being under the care of her Dublin physician, George Sigerson, her battle with tuberculosis persisted. Seeking respite, she retreated to the south of France, where she reunited with Millevoye and tended to her child. Tragically, her son Georges succumbed to meningitis on August 31, 1891, plunging Maud into a vortex of grief.

In a twist of fate, Maud returned to Dublin amidst Parnell's funeral procession, cloaked in mourning attire for her lost child. Her entanglement with Yeats intensified, possibly culminating in a brief engagement, and in November 1891, she was initiated into the Order of the Golden Dawn in London. However, her political affiliations remained complex, influenced by her right-wing connections, embracing anti-Semitic and anti-masonic conspiracy theories, and vehemently opposing Dreyfus' cause under Millevoye's influence.

Undeterred by personal tragedies, Maud remained steadfast in her political activism, traversing between Dublin, London, and Paris. Her commitment to various causes, including the Amnesty Association of Great Britain, saw her lecture across provincial France, Holland, and Belgium on the plight of evicted tenants in Donegal. She leveraged her literary prowess to publish articles advocating for Ireland's cause in prominent journals and formed alliances with notable figures like Yeats and Connolly.

The birth of her daughter Iseult Gonne in 1894 marked a new chapter in Maud's life, signalling the end of her romantic liaison with Millevoye. However, her political collaboration with him persisted, with many of her articles finding a platform in La Patrie, where Millevoye served as editor.

Maud's return to Ireland in 1897 coincided with her immersion in the radical nationalist movement. Collaborating with figures like James Connolly, she spearheaded campaigns advocating for the rights of tenants in the west and actively contributed to publications like the United Irishman, supporting Griffith and Rooney in their journalistic endeavours.

Her association with the Shan Van Vocht and subsequent involvement in the United Irishman underscored her commitment to amplifying the voices of the oppressed. Through financial support and poignant articles like 'The famine queen', Maud solidified her place as a formidable force in the nationalist movement, challenging established narratives and championing the rights of the marginalized.

At the close of that pivotal year, Maud Gonne disclosed to Yeats the truth surrounding her relationship with Millevoye and revealed the existence of her two children. While she raised Iseult in France, she refrained from publicly acknowledging her as her daughter, aware that such a revelation could spell social and political ruin. Despite both she and Yeats entertaining notions of a spiritual union in accordance with their shared beliefs, Maud adamantly refused to enter into matrimony with him in the tangible world.

In September 1899, she accompanied Yeats to Belfast, where they encountered Alice Milligan and the former circle of Shan Van Vocht, a publication that had ceased earlier that year. Shortly thereafter, in collaboration with Arthur Griffith, Maud embarked on founding the Transvaal committee, dedicated to aiding the Boers in their conflict against Britain. This endeavour facilitated recruitment for the 'Irish Brigade', comprised predominantly of fervent nationalists and republicans supporting the Boers' cause, with Major John MacBride emerging as a revered figure.

In January 1900, Maud embarked on a second tour of the United States, advocating for the Boer stance and fundraising for Griffith's paper. The year climaxed with a vehement protest against the queen's visit on April 4, characterized by Maud's organization of a patriotic children's picnic in opposition to the celebratory festivities in Phoenix Park. This initiative ultimately paved the way for the provision of free meals to impoverished children in Ireland, thanks to Maud's collaboration with Stephen Gwynn.

On Easter Sunday of 1900, Maud established Inghinidhe na hÉireann, an advanced nationalist women's movement, laying the groundwork for Cumann na nGaedheal, launched by Griffith and Rooney the subsequent October. Additionally, she successfully pursued legal action against Le Figaro for baseless accusations of espionage.

Amidst these endeavours, Maud encountered MacBride at the Gare de Lyon in the winter of 1900. Their subsequent tours of the United States in 1901 and 1902 aimed at bolstering support for their causes. Upon her return, Maud embarked on a nationwide campaign, establishing branches of Inghinidhe across Ireland.

In a notable theatrical feat, Maud assumed the lead role in Yeats's play 'Cathleen Ni Houlihan' on April 2, 1902, embodying the fervent spirit of an Ireland yearning for sacrifice. This pinnacle of Yeatsian revolutionary zeal marked a significant moment in Maud's trajectory.

However, the ensuing years were fraught with personal and relational turmoil. Despite vehement dissuasion from Yeats and Griffith, Maud's resolve to marry MacBride remained unyielding. The union, consummated in Paris in February 1903 following Maud's conversion to Catholicism, was soon marred by disillusionment. As the chasm between the couple widened, Maud increasingly gravitated towards Ireland, a terrain fraught with risk for MacBride.

The summer of 1903 saw Maud spearheading Inghinidhe protests during Edward VII's visit, culminating in a defiant display of mourning in Dublin. Later that year, she aligned with Griffith in nationalist protests against J. M. Synge's play 'The Shadow of the Glen', denouncing what she perceived as foreign interference.

The turn of the year brought further upheaval, as Maud bore her second son, Seán, in Paris. By year's end, irreconcilable differences had precipitated a definitive rift between the MacBrides, culminating in Maud initiating divorce proceedings. The acrimonious separation was marred by allegations of misconduct on MacBride's part, casting a shadow over Maud's once-illustrious standing in nationalist circles.

The fallout from the scandal irreparably tarnished Maud's reputation, leading to her public condemnation at the Abbey Theatre in 1906, a stark contrast to the adulation she once commanded. Henceforth, she retreated from the forefront of advanced politics, marking the denouement of an era defined by her fervent activism and indomitable spirit. As Padraic Colum astutely observed, Gonne's marriage to MacBride not only deprived Griffith of an inspiring presence but also severed his ties with influential figures. The dissolution of her marriage had far-reaching consequences, leading to her virtual exile from Ireland and garnering opposition, notably from John O'Leary.

R. Barry O'Brien's mediation attempt between Gonne and MacBride epitomized the prevailing perception of Gonne as merely a wife and mother, relegating her to a domestic sphere. Her failed marriage stripped her of the mystique that had shielded her from societal norms, jeopardizing her custody of her child and diminishing her public standing.

Upon re-entering politics post-1916, Gonne assumed the role of a widow and mother, relinquishing her former identity as a liberated woman. Her political career took a new trajectory, marked by a shift in public perception.

Gonne's life increasingly revolved around France, where the terms of her separation held sway. Despite lingering fears of abduction by MacBride, she occasionally ventured back to Ireland. Notably, she played a pivotal role in Inghinidhe, overseeing initiatives such as the launch of the women's nationalist journal Bean na hÉireann in 1908. Additionally, her involvement in social causes, including providing aid to impoverished families during the 1913 Dublin lockout, underscored her enduring commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Yeats's intermittent visits to Gonne's residence in Colleville precipitated a brief affair between the two, which, despite its culmination in 1908, failed to sever their close bond. Gonne's voluntary relief work during the Paris floods of 1910 and 1911 further attested to her unwavering dedication to charitable endeavours.

In the years leading up to World War I, Gonne channelled her energies into researching free school meal programs, ultimately spearheading efforts to extend such provisions to Ireland with Stephen Gwynn's assistance in 1914.

The outbreak of the Great War plunged Gonne into distress, prompting her and her daughter Iseult to volunteer as nurses in French military hospitals. The 1916 Easter Rising and MacBride's subsequent execution profoundly impacted Gonne, prompting her to embrace widowhood and republicanism.

Yeats's proposal to Gonne in July 1916, followed by a futile proposal to Iseult, underscored the complexity of their relationship. Despite initial obstacles imposed by wartime restrictions, Gonne clandestinely returned to Dublin in December 1917, only to be arrested months later on suspicion of involvement in a pro-German conspiracy.

Following a concerted campaign led by Yeats, Joseph King MP, and her son Seán, Gonne was released from Holloway prison in November 1918 due to health concerns. Her return to Dublin reignited tensions with Yeats, highlighting the strains in their friendship.

Tragedy continued to shadow Gonne, as evidenced by her sister Kathleen's death in 1919 and Iseult's tumultuous marriage to Francis Stuart. Despite enduring personal turmoil, Gonne remained a steadfast source of support for her family, guiding them through grief and hardship.

During the War of Independence, Maud Gonne resumed some of her political endeavours, positioning herself prominently among the crowds outside Irish prisons on execution days, offering support to the families of the condemned men. Additionally, she actively participated in the Irish White Cross, an organization established to provide relief for distressed areas, collaborating with Charlotte Despard, whom she had encountered in London in 1918.

Initially, Gonne accepted the treaty of 1921, partly due to her association with Griffith, a stance that briefly strained her relationship with her 17-year-old son, Seán, a member of the IRA. However, following Griffith's demise, she vehemently criticized the Free State government and was twice incarcerated in 1923. Alongside other close associates like Dorothy Macardle and Constance Markievicz, she vehemently opposed the treaty, leading public demonstrations against the Free State government and contributing to radical republican publications. Her enduring commitment to political prisoners remained steadfast, as she spearheaded the Women's Prisoners’ Defence League and advocated internationally on prison issues.

Gonne's indomitable spirit propelled her to champion various political causes in subsequent decades, though these endeavours remain historically understudied. Her unwavering energy found resonance in her close relationships with fellow republican women, particularly Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington and Helena Molony. At Roebuck House, Clonskeagh, which she and Despard acquired in 1922, Gonne augmented her political activism by establishing cottage industries to provide employment for struggling republicans. The house frequently faced raids by Free State military and civil forces.

The ascension of de Valera to power in 1932 failed to elicit satisfaction from Gonne, as she continued to shed light on the plight of republican prisoners through her journal Prison Bars. With the outbreak of World War II, she intensified her efforts on behalf of republican internees in the Curragh, particularly focusing on hunger strikers. Her son, Seán MacBride, played a pivotal legal role in representing many of these prisoners.

In international politics, Gonne's perspectives took on idiosyncratic dimensions. In 1938, she lauded what she perceived as the positive attributes of fascism and communism as potential models for Ireland. However, by the onset of the war in 1939, she openly expressed pro-German sentiments, aligning with her enduring anti-British sentiments and anti-Semitic views. She cultivated a close friendship with Dr. Eduard Hempel, the German minister in Dublin, and his wife, Evelyn, often hosting them at Roebuck House.

Under the surveillance of Irish military intelligence, Gonne faced suspicions of involvement in the Hermann Goertz affair of 1940, an episode entangling the adult members of the Gonne–MacBride–Stuart clan. Following the war, she collaborated with Goertz as a founding member of the Save the German Children campaign, aimed at providing foster homes for Catholic German war orphans.

Until her passing in 1953, Gonne resided at Roebuck House with her son, daughter-in-law Catalina (‘Kid’) Bulfin, and beloved grandchildren, Anna and Tiernan. Her autobiography, "A Servant of the Queen," published in 1938, chronicled her life until her marriage to John MacBride, though a planned second volume never materialized. She took pride in her son Seán MacBride's achievements, both as IRA chief-of-staff (1936) and cabinet minister (1948–51). Despite never publicly acknowledging her relationship with her daughter, Gonne maintained a close bond with her. Her demise on 27 April 1953 marked the end of an era, with mourners accompanying her funeral procession to Glasnevin cemetery on 29 April, honouring her enduring legacy and contributions to Irish republicanism.

Next Page - Ellen O'Leary