Irish prisoners in Frongoch overrun by rats

Westminster, 20 October 1916 - The House of Commons has heard that ‘vigorous measures’ have been taken to try and exterminate the rats that were overrunning Frongoch prison where hundreds of Irish prisoners have been interned since the Easter Rising.

The Home Secretary, Herbert Samuel, told the House of Commons that the allegation that a prisoner had suffered blood poisoning having been bitten by a rat was untrue.

Documents relating to the escape of interned rebel Daniel Davitt who escaped from Frongoch prison on 3 August 1916. He was then rearrested on 5 August 1916. Click to enlarge. (Images: National Archives of Ireland, CSO RP 1916 13549 10)

Mr Samuel also said that the prisoners are provided with additional clothing when the doctor considers it necessary, and are allowed to receive from the outside approved educational books, including books in Irish.

He added that the US Embassy had inspected the camp and reported most favourably on it.

[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]