Pearse’s Easter Rising letter of surrender goes on display

Claire Simpson. Irish News (Belfast). Wednesday, September 28, 2016


A LETTER of surrender written by Pádraig Pearse three days before his execution has gone on display in Dublin.

The document, written by Pearse on April 30 1916, went on display at the GPO Witness History visitor centre on O’Connell Street yesterday and can be viewed until November 28.

Pearse wrote the letter from Arbour Hill prison, urging rebels in the Four Courts to surrender to the British. After reading the letter, the commander of the rebels laid down his arms.

The note is due to be auctioned at the end of next month and is expected to fetch up to €1.5 million.

Aline FitzGerald, general manager of GPO Witness History, said she was pleased the letter has gone on display.

“It is our privilege and an honour to have the opportunity to display this document, never previously accessible to the public, and of such historic significance,” she said.

Stuart Cole, director of Adams Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers said the letter was a “unique part of Irish history”.

“It is expected to achieve in the region of €1 million to €1.5 million at the end of November,” he said.