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Nellie Bushell

1884 – 1948

Irish silk weaver and activist

Weaver
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About Nellie Bushell

Lived 1884 – 1948 (aged 63–64). Nellie Bushell was a British and Irish weaver.

Ellen Sarah Bushell (born 23 January 1884 in The Liberties, Dublin, died 11 August 1948 in County Dublin) was an Irish textile artist and political activist. She played a significant role in the Irish War of Independence, as a messenger, tailor, gun runner and safe house operator.

Background Nellie was born to Edward and Ellen Bushell in Francis Street, in 1884. Ellen had died by 1901 when Edward had remarried, and lived in Clanbrassil Street. By the 1911 census, Nellie was living in Newmarket Street, Dublin 8.

Irish Nationalism Bushell made kilts for Fianna Éireann, the youth republican movement. She soon became a committee member.

Death and funeral Bushell was admitted to the Adelaide Hospital, later dying at home in Inchicore on 11 August 1948. She was given full military honours, alongside attendance from the Irish theatrical world.

Bushell's name is among those remembered on a plaque, unveiled in 1966, in the Abbey commemorating its staff involved in the rising.

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Important facts

Birth century
Died
1948
Occupation
Weaver
Employers
Abbey Theatre
Also known as
Ellen Sarah Bushell, Ellen Bushell

People in Nellie Bushell's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Nellie Bushell's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Nellie Bushell?

Irish silk weaver and activist

When was Nellie Bushell born?

Nellie Bushell was born on 23 January 1884.

When did Nellie Bushell die?

Nellie Bushell died in 1948.

What was Nellie Bushell's occupation?

Nellie Bushell was a weaver.

What nationality was Nellie Bushell?

Nellie Bushell was British and Irish.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Nellie Bushell

· Wikidata: Q122915346

· DBpedia: Nellie Bushell

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Nellie Bushell. https://biography.guide/nellie-bushell/

MLA: "Nellie Bushell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/nellie-bushell/.

Chicago: "Nellie Bushell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/nellie-bushell/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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