John Hely facts for kids
Sir John Hely (born around 1650 – died 7 April 1701) was an important judge who was born in England and worked in Ireland. He held a high position as the Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer, which meant he was a top judge in charge of money matters for the government. Sir John also started a well-known family, the Hely family of Foulkscourt Castle in Johnstown, County Kilkenny. This family is mostly remembered for helping to build and improve the village of Johnstown.
Sir John was born in London. He began studying law in 1670 and became a lawyer in 1679.
Family Life
In 1685, Sir John Hely married Meliora Gorges. Her father, Ferdinando Gorges, was a merchant from Hertfordshire, England. Sir John and Meliora had at least five children. Their oldest son, George, continued the Hely family line at Foulkscourt House in Johnstown, County Kilkenny. They also had three other sons named William, John, and James.
Important Connections
Meliora's older sister, Barbara, was married to a powerful politician named Thomas Coningsby, 1st Earl Coningsby. This connection was very helpful for Sir John Hely's career. Many people believe that his rise to high positions was because of his link to Coningsby, who had a lot of influence in Dublin, Ireland.
Career as a Judge
In 1690, Sir John Hely was appointed as the Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer. This important job was given to him because Thomas Coningsby, who was a top leader in Ireland at the time, recommended him. Sir John moved to Ireland the next year, in 1691. He became a knight in 1692, which meant he was given the title "Sir." He also worked as a Commissioner of Revenue Appeals, helping with tax-related legal cases.
Sir John lived in Dublin city and also had a country home. Either Sir John or his oldest son, George Hely, started planning the village of Johnstown in County Kilkenny. However, the village is named after Sir John's son, John. The area where Johnstown is now was once known as Hely's Cross. In 1697, John Hely received ownership of the old Purcell estate at Foulkscourt. Sir John was also a member of the Dublin Philosophical Society, a group that discussed science and learning.
In 1695, Sir John Hely became the Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas, another very important judicial role. He also served as the Speaker of the Irish House of Lords from 1696 to 1697, leading discussions in that part of the Irish Parliament.
Later Life and Passing
After a few years, Sir John's health began to decline, even though he was not very old. In 1701, he felt well enough to travel for the spring assizes, which were court sessions held in different towns. However, he became ill in Ennis and passed away after two days. He died at the home of Mr. David England, who was later paid for taking care of him. Some historians suggest that the difficult journeys on Ireland's bad roads for these court sessions were too much for many judges at that time.
Around 1698, a writer named John Dunton visited Dublin and wrote about the judges there. He praised most of them, including Sir John Hely, saying they were "men of such reputation that no one complains of them." This means people thought highly of their fairness.
Sir John's wife, Meliora, later remarried.
