Charles Robert Barry facts for kids
Charles Robert Barry (born January 3, 1823, died May 15, 1897) was an important Irish lawyer and politician. He became a top judge in Ireland, known as a Lord Justice of Appeal. He was also a QC and a member of the Privy Council.
Becoming a Lawyer and Judge
Charles Robert Barry was born in Limerick, Ireland. His father, James Barry, was a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. Charles went to school in Limerick and County Cork, then studied at Trinity College Dublin. He also trained to be a lawyer at Lincoln's Inn in London.
In 1848, Barry became a lawyer in Ireland, joining the Irish Bar. He was recognized for his skill and became a Queen's Counsel in 1859. This is a special title for experienced lawyers.
He also worked in politics. From 1865 to 1868, he was a Member of Parliament for Dungarvan. During this time, he held several important legal roles for the government. He was the Law Adviser to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1865. He also became the Third Serjeant-at-law (Ireland) in 1866.
Later, he served as the Solicitor-General for Ireland from 1868 to 1870. After that, he was the Attorney-General for Ireland from 1870 to 1872. In these roles, he represented the government in legal matters.
In 1872, Charles Barry became a judge in the Queen's Bench. From 1883 until his death in 1897, he served as a Lord Justice in the Irish Court of Appeal. People said he became so successful not just because he was a brilliant lawyer, but also because everyone liked him so much.
His Family Life
Charles Robert Barry married Kate Fitzgerald. Her father was David Fitzgerald, and her brother, John David Fitzgerald, also became a Member of Parliament and a judge.
Charles and Kate had at least one son, Charles junior. Some records also mention another son, James David Barry. James David Barry was a soldier who served in the Royal Horse Artillery. He was also an Aide-de-camp to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, which means he was a personal assistant to the Queen's representative in Ireland.
James David Barry was honored for his service in the Boer War. He joined the 1st Expeditionary Force in August 1914 as a Major. His wife, Florence, was the daughter of the 4th Baron Clanmorris. Major James David Barry and his wife are buried at St Mary's church in Clonsilla, Fingal.
Kate's sister, Emily, married Denis Caulfield Heron. Interestingly, Denis Heron also held similar government legal positions as Charles Barry, like Law Adviser to the Lord Lieutenant and Serjeant-at-law.
