Pigott also worked for the Irish National Land League, departing in 1883 after accusing its treasurer, Mr Fagan, of being unable to account for £100,000 (equivalent to £12,700,000 in 2023) of its funds and for keeping inadequate records.

Hitherto a zealous nationalist, from 1884 onwards Pigott vilified his former associates and sold information to their political opponents.

The Commission eventually produced thirty-seven volumes in evidence, covering not just the forgeries but also the surrounding violence that followed from the Plan of Campaign.

After admitting his forgeries to Henry Labouchère, Pigott fled to Spain and shot himself in a Madrid hotel room.

Parnell then sued The Times for libel, and the newspaper paid him £5,000 (equivalent to £698,000 in 2023) in an out-of-court settlement, as well as considerably more in legal fees.