Hugh Carleton, 1st Viscount Carleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Carleton, 1st Viscount Carleton
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| Member of the Ireland Parliament for Tuam |
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| In office 1772–1776 |
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| Member of the Ireland Parliament for Philipstown |
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| In office 1776–1783 |
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| Member of the Ireland Parliament for Naas |
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| In office 1783–1787 |
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| Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas | |
| In office 1787–1800 |
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| Representative peer for Ireland | |
| In office 1800–1826 |
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| Viscount Carleton | |
| In office 1797–1826 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 September 1739 |
| Died | 25 February 1826 London, UK |
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Hugh Carleton, also known as the 1st Viscount Carleton, was an important Irish politician and judge. He was born on September 11, 1739, and passed away on February 25, 1826. He held many significant roles in the legal system and government of Ireland during his lifetime.
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Hugh Carleton's Early Life and Education
Hugh Carleton was likely born in the city of Cork in Ireland. His father, Francis Carleton, was a very successful merchant. A merchant is someone who buys and sells goods for profit. Francis was so well-known and respected in Cork that people called him "the King of Cork." Hugh's mother was Rebecca Lawton.
Hugh went to Kilkenny College for his education. There, he became good friends with John Scott. John protected Hugh from bullies, and because of this, Hugh's father helped John with his education. Both boys then went on to study at Trinity College Dublin and Middle Temple, which is a place in London where people train to become lawyers.
In 1764, Hugh became a lawyer in Ireland. This meant he could argue cases in court. A few years later, in 1768, he became a King's Counsel, which is a special title for experienced lawyers.
Hugh Carleton's Political Career
Because his father was so influential in politics, Hugh was able to get a seat in the Irish House of Commons. This was like being a member of parliament. He represented different areas over the years: Tuam from 1772 to 1776, Philipstown from 1776 to 1783, and Naas from 1783 to 1787.
Even though he was a successful lawyer, Hugh wasn't known for being a great public speaker. People sometimes found his speeches hard to hear.
Hugh Carleton's Judicial Career
Hugh Carleton had a long and successful career as a judge. In 1769, he became the Recorder of Cork, which is a legal officer for a city. He then moved up to other important legal roles, becoming the Solicitor General for Ireland in 1779. This role involves advising the government on legal matters.
From 1787 to 1800, he served as the Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. This was a very high position, making him one of the most important judges in Ireland. In 1787, he also joined the Privy Council of Ireland, a group of advisors to the monarch.
In 1788, Hugh became a member of the Royal Irish Academy, a group that promotes learning and research in Ireland. He was also given special titles in the Peerage of Ireland. First, he became Baron Carleton in 1789, and later, he was made Viscount Carleton in 1797. These titles meant he was a member of the nobility. When he passed away in 1826, he had no children, so these titles ended with him.
During a time of unrest in Ireland, known as the Irish Rebellion of 1798, Lord Carleton was involved in important legal cases. He presided over the trials of people involved in the rebellion. Some people were unhappy with his decisions, especially regarding the Sheares brothers, because their father had once asked Hugh to look after them.
Even though he was a serious judge, Lord Carleton was known for worrying a lot about his health, even though he was actually very healthy! He lived for many years after he said he was too ill to work. His friend, John Scott, sometimes wrote critical things about him, but most people thought Hugh Carleton was a very good judge.
Hugh Carleton's Personal Life
Hugh Carleton was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Mercer, whom he married in 1766. She passed away in 1794. The next year, he married Mary Buckley Mathew. Hugh did not have any children from either marriage.
He lived in several places, including Willow Park in Booterstown and various houses in Dublin. Later in his life, he moved to London. He passed away in Hanover Square, London. After his death, his large collection of books and pamphlets was bought by a famous law library in London.
