Edmund Pery, 1st Viscount Pery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Viscount Pery
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portrait by Gilbert Stuart
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| Speaker of the Irish House of Commons | |
| In office 1771–1785 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Preceded by | John Ponsonby |
| Succeeded by | John Foster |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 April 1719 |
| Died | 24 February 1806 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Political party | Patriot |
| Spouses | (1) Patricia Martin (2) Hon. Elizabeth Vesey |
Edmund Sexton Pery, 1st Viscount Pery (born April 8, 1719 – died February 24, 1806) was an important Irish politician. He served as the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons from 1771 to 1785. This was like being the leader of the main law-making group in Ireland at the time.
Early Life and Beginnings
Edmund Pery was born in Limerick, a city in Ireland. His family was very influential in the city's politics. His father was Rev. Stackpole Pery, and his mother was Jane Twigge.
A Career in Politics
Edmund Pery first trained to be a barrister, which is a type of lawyer. In 1751, he became a member of the Irish House of Commons. This was the main assembly where laws were discussed and made in Ireland. He represented the area of Wicklow.
After King George II passed away, the parliament changed. Pery was then elected to represent his home city, Limerick City. He served in this role from 1761 until 1785. In 1771, he became the Speaker of the House. This meant he was in charge of leading the meetings and debates.
Many people thought Pery was one of the most powerful politicians in Ireland during his time. He led a group of politicians that included his nephew, who later became the Earl of Limerick.
After he retired from his role as Speaker, King George III gave him a special title. He became Viscount Pery, which was a high rank in the Peerage of Ireland. This title allowed him to sit in the Irish House of Lords, another part of the parliament. Since he did not have any sons, his special title ended when he died.
Shaping Limerick City
Edmund Pery is also remembered for his role in shaping the city of Limerick. In 1765, he hired an engineer named Davis Ducart. Pery owned land on the edge of the city. He asked Ducart to design a new town plan for this land.
This plan led to the building of a new area of the city. It was designed in the Georgian style and became known as Newtown Pery. This area is still an important part of Limerick today. A place called Pery Square was also named after him.
His Family
Edmund Pery was married twice. His first wife was Patricia Martin, whom he married in 1756. She passed away a year later. He then married Elizabeth Vesey. Elizabeth was the daughter of John Vesey, 1st Baron Knapton.
Edmund and Elizabeth had two daughters:
- Hon. Diana Pery, who married her cousin Thomas Knox, 1st Earl of Ranfurly.
- Hon. Frances Pery, who married Nicolson Calvert.
Edmund Pery also had a younger brother named William. William was an important leader in the Church of Ireland. He became a bishop and was also given the title of Baron Glentworth. William's son, Edmund, later became the Earl of Limerick. This happened because he supported the Act of Union, which joined the parliaments of Great Britain and Ireland.
Pery's younger sister was Lucy Hartstonge. She founded what is now St John's Hospital in Limerick.
See also
