David Harrel facts for kids

Sir David Harrel (born March 25, 1841 – died May 12, 1939) was an important Irish police officer and a high-ranking government official. He worked for the government in Ireland for many years. He is known for being the head of the Dublin police force and later a very senior government leader in Ireland.

Sir David Harrel's Early Life

Sir David Harrel was born in Mount Pleasant, a place in County Down. His father worked as a land agent, which means he managed land for other people. David went to school at the Royal Naval School, Gosport. He wanted to join the Royal Navy, but he was too old when he took the entrance exam. Instead, he joined the British Merchant Navy, which is a group of ships that carry goods and people for trade.

Joining the Police Force

In 1859, Sir David left the Merchant Navy. He decided to join the Royal Irish Constabulary. This was the police force that served all of Ireland at the time. He worked hard and moved up in his career. In 1879, he became a resident magistrate in County Mayo. A resident magistrate was like a local judge who handled smaller legal cases.

Leading the Dublin Police

By 1883, Sir David Harrel was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. This meant he was the top police officer in Dublin, the capital city. Even though he was a Protestant, he had good relationships with the Roman Catholic Church. He also joined several groups that worked to help poor farmers in Ireland.

Becoming a Top Government Official

In 1893, Sir David Harrel took on an even more important role. He was appointed Under-Secretary for Ireland. This was a very high-ranking government job. It was like being the main manager for the British government's work in Ireland. He held this important position until 1902. He retired from this role because he was not feeling well.

Continued Public Service

Even after retiring, Sir David Harrel continued to serve the public. He was part of many special committees and volunteer groups. These groups often helped solve problems or make decisions for the government.

Awards and Honors

Sir David Harrel received many important awards for his service.

• In 1895, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB).
• In 1900, he became a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO).
• He also received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE).
• He was made a member of the Privy Council of Ireland. This honor meant he could use the special title "The Right Honourable."
• In 1920, he was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB). This was after he helped lead a special court that settled arguments about work and industries between 1918 and 1919.

Family Life

Sir David Harrel had a son named William Vesey Harrel. His son also followed in his footsteps. William Vesey Harrel worked as the Assistant Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Police from 1902 to 1914.

Arms

Arms of David Harrel

Notes Confirmed by Nevile Wilkinson, Ulster King of Arms, 19 January 1909. Crest A bursting grenade Proper. Escutcheon Or a lion rampant Gules grasping with the sinister forepaw a tilting spear erect Argent. Motto Fuimus