Events for April 01

April 1, 1329

Risings by the native Irish in various parts of Munster and Leinster, continuing into 1330

The year 1329 marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Ireland’s medieval history, characterized by a series of uprisings by the native Irish across Munster and Leinster. These uprisings were responses to the expanding influence and control of the Anglo-Norman settlers, who had been in Ireland since their invasion in 1169. The native Irish, comprising various Gaelic clans and families, were resisting the encroachments on their lands, the imposition of foreign laws, and the attempt to undermine their social and political structures.

April 1, 1839

St. Clair Mulholland, Union Civil War General and Medal of Honor winner, is born in Lisburn, Co. Antrim

St. Clair Augustine Mulholland (April 1, 1839 – February 17, 1910) was a colonel in the Union Army in the American Civil War who later received the brevets of brigadier general of volunteers and major general of volunteers and the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action at the Battle of Chancellorsville.

April 1, 1571

Dumbarton Castle, under siege since January 1570, captured by Captain Thomas Crawford

Dumbarton Castle has the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. It sits on a volcanic plug of basalt known as Dumbarton Rock which is 240 feet (73 m) high and overlooks the Scottish town of Dumbarton.

April 1, 1716

The first Doggett Coat and Badge sculling race takes place on the Thames

Doggett’s Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest continuous rowing race in the world. Up to six apprentice watermen of the River Thames in England compete for this prestigious honour, which has been held every year since 1715. The 4 mile 5 furlongs (7.44 km) race is rowed on the River Thames upstream from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea, passing under a total of eleven bridges. Originally, it was raced every 1 August against the outgoing (falling or ebb) tide, in the boats used by watermen to ferry passengers across the Thames.