Katharine O’Shea

Irish nationalist

Also known as: Katharine Page Wood, Mrs. Charles Stewart Parnell(Show More)

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Katharine O'Shea was an Irish nationalist whose relationship with Charles Stewart Parnell led to a significant scandal. She was married to William Henry O'Shea, but began an intimate relationship with Parnell around 1880. The couple lived together, and Katharine acted as an intermediary for correspondence between Parnell and British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone regarding Irish Home Rule.12

In 1889, after the death of Katharine's wealthy aunt, William O'Shea filed for divorce, naming Parnell as the co-respondent. The divorce was granted in 1890, and the ensuing scandal led to Parnell's downfall as a political leader and divided Irish nationalist opinion. Parnell and Katharine O'Shea married in June 1891, shortly before Parnell's death.12

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William Henry O’Shea and Katharine O’Shea
In 1867 he married Katharine, sixth daughter of the Rev. Sir John Page Wood of Rivenhall Place, Essex. The O’Sheas had one son, Gerard, and two daughters. It is not clear when O’Shea became aware of the existence of intimate relations between his wife and Parnell, though he and…
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In 1867 he married Katharine, sixth daughter of the Rev. Sir John Page Wood of Rivenhall Place, Essex. The O’Sheas had one son, Gerard, and two daughters. It is not clear when O’Shea became aware of the existence of intimate relations between his wife and Parnell, though he and…
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Charles Stewart Parnell
The Home Rule League and the Land League
…“moderate” Home Rule member, whose wife had been Parnell’s mistress since 1880. A settlement was reached, the so-called Kilmainham Treaty, whereby tenants were to obtain substantial concessions and Parnell was to use all his influence to decrease further agitation.
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…“moderate” Home Rule member, whose wife had been Parnell’s mistress since 1880. A settlement was reached, the so-called Kilmainham Treaty, whereby tenants were to obtain substantial concessions and Parnell was to use all his influence to decrease further agitation.
Read More