List of Irish MPs 1776–1783 facts for kids

The Irish House of Commons was like a parliament or a big meeting place where important people from Ireland made laws. It was active for many years, and this list shows some of the people who were members between 1776 and 1783. During this time, there were 300 members, often called MPs, which stands for Members of Parliament. These MPs were chosen to represent different parts of Ireland and help govern the country.

What Was the Irish House of Commons?

The Irish House of Commons was a bit like today's parliament in many countries. It was a group of elected people who worked together to create and approve laws for Ireland. Back then, Ireland was part of the British Empire, but it had its own parliament to manage local affairs.

Who Were the Members of Parliament (MPs)?

MPs were important people, usually men, who were chosen to speak for the people in their local areas. They would meet in Dublin to discuss issues and vote on new laws. Being an MP was a big responsibility, as they helped decide how Ireland was run.

Why Was 1776-1783 an Important Time?

The years between 1776 and 1783 were very significant for Ireland. This period saw the American Revolution, which inspired many people in Ireland to seek more control over their own laws. It was a time when Irish leaders, like Henry Grattan, pushed for greater independence for the Irish Parliament from Britain. This movement led to what is sometimes called "Grattan's Parliament," where the Irish Parliament gained more power to make its own decisions.

Notable Members and Their Roles

Many of the people on this list played important roles in Irish politics during this exciting period. Some were powerful leaders, while others helped shape the future of Ireland through their work in the House of Commons.

Key Figures in the Parliament

• Henry Grattan: He was a very famous MP who fought hard for the Irish Parliament to have more freedom. He believed Ireland should make its own laws without too much interference from Britain.
• William Eden, 1st Baron Auckland: He served as the Chief Secretary for Ireland from 1780 to 1782. This was a very important job, as the Chief Secretary was a key link between the Irish government and the British government.
• Richard FitzPatrick: He also held the role of Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1782, continuing the important work of managing the country's affairs.
• Sir Richard Heron, 1st Baronet: He was Chief Secretary for Ireland from 1776 to 1780, right at the start of this period. These Chief Secretaries had a lot of influence on how Ireland was governed.

Representing Different Areas

MPs represented different parts of Ireland, known as constituencies. For example:

• Mervyn Archdall and Sir Arthur Brooke represented County Fermanagh.
• Richard Annesley represented Coleraine.
• Denis Bowes Daly represented Galway Borough.
• Sir Edward Newenham represented County Dublin.

These examples show how MPs came from all over Ireland to work in the House of Commons.

Understanding the List of Members

The original list shows many names of people who were MPs during this time. It also sometimes mentions the area they represented and any special roles they had, like being a Chief Secretary. This list helps historians understand who was involved in Irish politics during a very important time in history.