Arthur Blennerhassett (1687–1758) facts for kids

Arthur Blennerhassett (born 1687 – died 3 January 1758) was an important lawyer, politician, and judge in Ireland. He was known for his work in the legal system and for serving in the Irish Parliament. He is also remembered for being involved in a duel.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Blennerhassett was the only son of Robert Blennerhassett, who was also a lawyer and politician. His mother was Alice Osborne. Arthur grew up in Clonmel, which is in County Tipperary, Ireland.

He went to school in Dublin. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and finished his studies there in 1708. In the same year, he began his legal training at the Middle Temple in London.

A Career in Law and Politics

Arthur Blennerhassett became a lawyer in Ireland in 1714. He was very good at his job. In 1728, he was made a King's Counsel. This meant he was a senior lawyer who advised the Crown. Later, in 1742, he became the Prime Serjeant. This was a very high legal position in Ireland at the time.

In 1727, Arthur Blennerhassett was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Tralee in the Irish House of Commons. This was the main law-making body in Ireland.

In 1743, he was appointed as a judge. He served as a justice in the Court of King's Bench (Ireland). He continued to work as a judge until he passed away in 1758.

Challenging Times in Court

In 1745, Arthur Blennerhassett was one of the judges in a very long and difficult court case. This case was connected to the famous Annesley Peerage Case. The trial lasted for many hours, from early morning until late at night, without any breaks.

The long hours were very tiring. Judge Blennerhassett became so exhausted that he had to leave the courtroom. The Chief Judge, Thomas Marlay, had to continue the trial by himself.

Personal Life

Arthur Blennerhassett was married two times. His first wife was Mary Pope. His second wife was Mary Rice. She was the granddaughter of Thomas St Lawrence, 13th Baron Howth. Arthur Blennerhassett did not have any children from either of his marriages.

He lived in two main places. One was on Dawson Street in Dublin. The other was Riddlestown Park in County Limerick. He inherited Riddlestown Park from his uncle, Edward Blennerhassett. Arthur made many improvements to the property at Riddlestown.

A Noted Duel

In 1741, Arthur Blennerhassett was involved in a duel. A duel was a formal fight, usually with weapons, between two people to settle a disagreement. In this duel, John St Leger, a younger man, died.

At that time, it was uncommon for people involved in fatal duels, especially among important families, to be found guilty of a crime. This event did not harm Arthur Blennerhassett's reputation or stop his career from progressing.

Legacy

A painting of Judge Blennerhassett can be found in the library of Glin Castle.