The Swanzy Riots, 1920

‘The Swanzy Riots, 1920’ details events in Lisburn following the assassination of R.I.C. District Inspector Oswald Ross Swanzy in Market Square.  The murder, by members of the Cork and Belfast I.R.A., led to two nights and three days of vicious rioting, looting and burning, largely aimed at the town’s Catholic community.

Using photographs, artefacts, videos, books and uniforms, this exhibition tells the story of a significant – but not well known – event in Lisburn’s rich history, and its part in the wider story of the War of Independence (1919-1922).

Highlights of ‘The Swanzy Riots, 1920’ exhibition include:

• New, and rarely seen photographs
• Before and after views of the town
• Archival footage from the 1919-23 period
• Objects from the Museum’s collection, from R.I.C. uniforms to books, letters and rare contemporary artefacts
• An interactive map, detailing 300+ compensation claims

View the website here.