Edward Ledwich facts for kids

Edward Ledwich (1738 – 8 August 1823) was an Irish historian and expert on old things (an antiquary). He also studied and mapped places (a topographer). He was known for his books about the history of Ireland.

Edward Ledwich: An Irish Historian

Early Life and Education

Edward Ledwich was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father, John Ledwich, was a merchant. Edward went to Trinity College in Dublin, a famous university. He started there in 1755 and earned his first degree in 1760. He later earned another degree in law in 1763.

In 1772, he became a vicar, which is a type of priest, in a place called Aghaboe. He left this position in 1797. Edward Ledwich passed away in his home in Dublin on 8 August 1823.

His Work as a Historian

Edward Ledwich spent much of his life studying and writing about Irish history.

Antiquities of Ireland

In 1790, Ledwich published his most famous book, called Antiquities of Ireland. This book explored the ancient history and old objects of Ireland. However, later historians found that some of his ideas were not correct. This was because there wasn't much accurate information about Irish history available at the time. Later writers, like George Petrie, used new discoveries to correct some of Ledwich's theories.

Other Writings

Ledwich also wrote about the history of specific places. In 1781, he published an article about the history of Irishtown and Kilkenny. This article was later added to the second edition of his Antiquities of Ireland in 1804.

In 1791, Edward Ledwich helped his friend Francis Grose finish and publish Grose's own book, also called Antiquities of Ireland.

Family Life

Edward Ledwich had a daughter who married a lawyer named William Ridgeway.