Isaac Corry facts for kids

Isaac Corry was an important Irish and British politician and lawyer. He was born on May 15, 1753, and passed away on his birthday, May 15, 1813. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group of top scientists and thinkers.

Isaac Corry: An Irish Politician

Early Life and Education

Isaac Corry was born in Newry, a town in Ireland. His father, Edward Corry, was also a Member of Parliament. This meant he was part of the government that made laws.

Isaac went to school at the Royal School, Armagh. One of his classmates there was Viscount Castlereagh, who also became a very famous politician. After that, Isaac studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and finished his degree in 1773.

He then decided to become a lawyer. He joined the Middle Temple in London in 1771. Later, he officially became a lawyer at King's Inns in Dublin in 1779.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1776, Isaac Corry followed in his father's footsteps. He became a Member of Parliament for Newry. He served in the Irish House of Commons, which was the main law-making body in Ireland at the time. He continued in this role until 1801. This was when the Act of Union happened, joining the Irish and British parliaments.

From 1782 to 1789, he worked for the Duke of Cumberland. People described him as a well-mannered person. In 1798, he was also chosen to represent Randalstown, but he decided not to take that seat.

After the Act of Union, in 1802, Isaac Corry became a Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons in London. He continued to represent Newry there. He was part of the Whig political group until 1806.

Important Roles in Government

People expected Isaac Corry to achieve high positions in government. In 1788, he became the Clerk of the Irish Ordnance. This role involved managing military supplies. The next year, he was made a commissioner of the revenue, dealing with taxes.

In 1799, he got a very important job. He was appointed the Irish Chancellor of the Exchequer. This meant he was in charge of Ireland's money and finances. He also became a Lord High Treasurer of Ireland. In 1795, he became a Privy Councillor. This was a special advisor to the King or Queen.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1802, Isaac Corry left his role as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was given £2,000 each year as a thank you for his service.

Later, in 1806, changes in land ownership in Newry affected his political career. He lost his seat in Parliament. However, a kind lady named Lady Downshire helped him. She bought him a seat in Parliament for Newport, Isle of Wight. He then joined the Board of Trade, which looked after business and trade.

Six months later, the government changed, and there was another election. Isaac Corry tried to get back his Newry seat but was not successful.

Isaac Corry had children. His daughter, Ann, married Henry Westenra.

The Chancellor's Road

Isaac Corry lived in Abbey Yard in Newry, which is now a school. He also owned Derrymore House in Bessbrook, which he inherited from his father. He sold it in 1810, and it is now owned by the National Trust.

During his time, a special road was built near Derrymore House. It went around Newry and connected to the Dublin Road. This road was mainly for Isaac Corry to use. Because he was the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the road became known as "The Chancellor's Road."

There's a local story about why this road was built. People say that Isaac Corry's stagecoach was once hit with stones when it went through Newry. People were angry about a tax he had introduced called the window tax. So, he had the new road built to avoid going through the town.

The road still has this name today. Part of it was cut by a new bypass in the 1990s. But thanks to recent road work, the two parts of "The Chancellor's Road" are now connected again.

Isaac Corry passed away at his home in Merrion Square, Dublin. He is buried in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.