Hamilton Gorges (1737–1802) facts for kids

Hamilton Gorges (born in 1737, died on June 14, 1802) was an important Anglo-Irish politician. An Anglo-Irish person was someone of English background who lived in Ireland. Hamilton Gorges spent his life working in government and helping to make laws.

Who Was Hamilton Gorges?

Hamilton Gorges was the son of Richard Gorges and Elizabeth Fielding. He grew up in a time when politics was very different from today. People like Gorges played a big role in how Ireland was governed.

Early Public Service

In 1770, Hamilton Gorges became the High Sheriff of Meath. A High Sheriff was a very important local official. They were responsible for keeping law and order in their county. They also helped with elections and made sure court decisions were carried out.

Hamilton Gorges in Parliament

Hamilton Gorges served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. An MP is a person chosen to represent a group of people in a parliament. A parliament is a group of people who make laws for a country.

Serving in the Irish Parliament

From 1792 to 1800, Gorges was an MP in the Irish House of Commons. He represented County Meath. The Irish House of Commons was where laws were made for Ireland at that time.

The Acts of Union

During his time in the Irish Parliament, a very important decision was being made: the Acts of Union 1800. These Acts were laws that would join the Kingdom of Ireland with the Kingdom of Great Britain. This would create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Many people in power wanted the Acts of Union to pass. They tried to convince MPs like Hamilton Gorges to vote for it. However, Gorges did not support these Acts. He believed it was not the best path for Ireland.

Joining the UK Parliament

Even though he opposed the Acts of Union, Hamilton Gorges continued his political career. From 1801 until his death in June 1802, he represented Meath in the new House of Commons of the United Kingdom. This meant he was now making laws for the larger United Kingdom.

Later Life and Legacy

Hamilton Gorges passed away in 1802. After his death, his family faced some financial challenges. They had to sell parts of his land and property to pay off money he owed.

Hamilton Gorges is remembered as a politician who served his country during a time of big changes. He was known for his independent views, especially his decision not to support the Acts of Union.