Identity Statement for Patrick Moylett
- Reference code: IE UCDAD P78
- Title: Papers of Patrick Moylett (b.1878)
- Dates: 1885–1932
- Level of description: 450pp
- Extent: Item
- Context
- Content and Structure
- Conditions of Access and Use
- Allied Material
Biographical History
Born into a farming family in Mayo, Moylett emigrated to London where he worked for five years in various departments in Harrods. Returning to Ballina in 1902 he established a successful grocery and provisions business, later establishing branches in Galway and London (1910–14), selling the latter at the outbreak of war. He later moved his commercial headquarters to Dublin. A member of Sinn Féin and ardent admirer of Arthur Griffith, he was active in Mayo and Galway throughout the revolutionary period. He travelled to London in October 1920 as Griffith's personal envoy and was involved in confidential discussions at the highest level on British recognition of D·il Šireann, an amnesty for members of the IRA and the holding of a peace conference. He supported the Anglo-Irish Treaty but not the Free State government party which he saw as an amalgam of Unionists and the old Irish Party. He was a founder member of the Clann Éireann Party and an early advocate of the withholding of land annuities.
Archival History
Memoir located among the papers of Professor Robert Dudley Edwards who had been asked for an opinion on its merits and involved in moves towards its publication. Accessioned separately in July 1986.
Scope and Content
Autobiographical memoir written c.1955-60 covering all aspects of his life and career, both commercial and political. The most significant portion of the memoir deals with his mission to London as personal envoy of Arthur Griffith, November-December 1920, when he was engaged in discussions with high-ranking British officials on the possibility of the recognition of Dáil Éireann, an amnesty, truce and a peace conference.
- Access: Available by appointment to holders of a UCD Archives reader's ticket. Produced for consultation in digital format.
- Language: English
Papers of Professor Robert Dudley Edwards IE UCDA LA22
A statement by Patrick Moylett to the Bureau of Military History, 1913–22 is among the Bureau archives held by the Military Archives.