Philip Cecil Crampton facts for kids

Philip Cecil Crampton (born May 1783 in Dublin, died December 29, 1862) was an important figure in Irish law and politics. He served as a judge, a politician, and as the Solicitor-General for Ireland.

Who Was Philip Crampton?

Philip Cecil Crampton was born in Dublin, Ireland. He was the fourth son of Reverend Cecil Crampton and Nicola Mary Marsh. His family had some notable connections, including a famous doctor, Sir Philip Crampton, who was his cousin. Another important relative was Charles Kendal Bushe, a top judge in Ireland. These family ties helped him in his career.

Early Life and Education

Philip was a brilliant student at Trinity College Dublin. He was so good that he won a gold medal. After graduating, he became a Fellow at the university from 1807 to 1816. In 1816, he was also named the Regius Professor of Law, which is a very respected teaching position. He studied law in England at Lincoln's Inn starting in 1808. By 1810, he was officially a lawyer in Ireland.

A Career in Law and Politics

Philip Crampton became the Solicitor-General for Ireland in 1830. This is a senior legal role, helping the government with legal advice. He also became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Saltash in 1831 and later Milborne Port in the same year.

In 1834, he was appointed a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench (Ireland). He served as a judge for many years, until 1859.

His Beliefs and Challenges

Philip Crampton was part of the Whig political party. Whigs often supported new ideas and changes. He strongly believed in things like making Parliament fairer and ending the slave trade. He was a very good lawyer and was known for being polite and skillful. However, he wasn't always seen as a strong politician.

He tried to make changes to the Irish legal system, but his ideas didn't always get much support. He also had disagreements with Daniel O'Connell, a very famous Irish political leader. O'Connell didn't think Crampton should become a judge, calling him "incompetent." But most people disagreed with O'Connell. When Crampton retired, many said he had one of the best reputations as a judge. People often described him as a "true gentleman" and a kind person.

Later Life

Philip Crampton married twice. His first wife was Sidney Mary Browne, whom he married in 1817. She passed away in 1839. He then married Margaret Duffy. He had one son, Cecil, from his second marriage, but sadly, Cecil died at the age of nineteen.

Philip lived in a grand home called St. Valery, near Bray, County Wicklow. He retired from being a judge in 1859 and passed away at his home in 1862. His estate then went to another part of the Crampton family.