Robert Day (Irish politician, born 1746) facts for kids

Robert Day (1746–1841) was an important Irish politician and judge. He was well-respected throughout his very long life. Even Daniel O'Connell, a famous leader, admired him personally, even if he didn't think Day was the best lawyer or judge.

Early Life and Education

Robert Day was born in County Kerry, Ireland. He was one of seven children. His father, Reverend John Day, was a church leader. His mother, Lucy, came from the important FitzGerald family. This family had a special title, the Knight of Kerry, for many centuries.

When Robert was young, he was raised by a local family. This was a common custom in Kerry back then. He only spoke Irish until he was seven years old. Then, he went to school in Tralee, a town he always felt connected to.

In 1761, Robert started studying at Trinity College Dublin. He did well, becoming a scholar in 1764 and graduating in 1766. Later, he moved to London to study law. He spent several years there with his good friend, Henry Grattan.

Robert was a lively young man. He enjoyed seeing London's sights and visiting other countries more than studying law. He liked going to the Grecian Coffee House. People say he met the writer Oliver Goldsmith there. Even though he loved fun, Robert was kind. He helped raise money for a poor family who were starving. His love for fun meant he didn't study law much. Because of this, many people thought he didn't know much about law, even when he became a top judge.

Legal and Political Career

After about five years in England, Robert returned to Ireland. He settled down and married Mary (Polly) Pott in 1774. Polly was the daughter of Percivall Pott, a famous English surgeon. She brought a good amount of money with her.

Robert became a lawyer in Ireland the same year. He became a senior lawyer, called King's Counsel, in 1790. He also advised the powerful Denny family in Tralee. He was seen as someone who supported the government. This led to him getting important roles, like a commissioner for tax appeals. He also became the head of the Dublin Quarter Sessions court in 1790.

Many people wondered how Robert became such a successful lawyer. His friends, like Daniel O'Connell, joked that he "knew nothing about the law."

Robert also entered politics. He was a member of the Irish House of Commons for Tuam and later for Ardfert. He remained good friends with Henry Grattan. Robert strongly supported Catholic Emancipation. This meant giving Catholics more rights. He also wanted to end unfair taxes and help farmers. However, he worried about rebellions. So, he supported the Act of Union 1800. This law joined Ireland and Great Britain. He later regretted this, as it delayed rights for Catholics.

Even after becoming a judge, Robert kept his political influence. He was especially powerful in Tralee. In 1807, he helped the future Duke of Wellington get elected there.

Life as a Judge

Robert Day became a judge in 1798. He joined the Court of King's Bench (Ireland). Soon after, he helped lead a special court to deal with the results of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. He was also a judge in the trial of the Sheares brothers, who were involved in the Rebellion. This rebellion made him wary of most Catholic politicians, except for O'Connell.

In 1807, he became very ill during a visit to England. He couldn't work for almost a year. In 1814, he was a judge in a famous case involving a publisher named John Magee. Even though they were friends, Robert disagreed strongly with Daniel O'Connell, who was Magee's lawyer.

As a judge, Robert was known for being honest. But people still thought he wasn't very good at understanding the law. Daniel O'Connell said that if you wanted to win a case with Judge Day, you should speak last. This was because Day often agreed with the last person who spoke!

During the Napoleonic Wars, Robert worried a lot about revolution. His speeches to juries often focused on the dangers of rebellion.

His friendship with O'Connell lasted even after a serious incident in 1815. Robert was sent to stop O'Connell from having a duel. But O'Connell convinced Day that he wasn't at fault. So, Day let him go, and the duel happened. Robert lived long enough to see Catholics gain more rights. He praised O'Connell for making this happen.

Robert retired from being a judge in 1818. He lived in Dublin and also in Loughlinstown House. He kept a detailed diary for many years. Parts of his diary have been published, giving us a look into his life.

Family Life

Robert Day passed away in 1841. He was almost 95 years old. His first wife, Mary (Polly) Pott, died in 1823. They had one daughter, Elizabeth. She married Sir Edward Denny, 3rd Baronet, and they had six children.

Robert later married Mary (Moggy) Fitzgerald in 1824. She had lived with his family for many years. Robert and Mary had two sons, John and Edward. Robert made sure both sons were provided for in his will. They took on the Day family name. Mary died in 1849.

Their elder son, John, became a church leader, following his family's tradition. He inherited property in Beaufort, County Kerry.

Character and Personality

People who knew Robert Day described him as a very good person. He was known for being kind and generous. He was also very good at making and keeping friends. In his later years, he became more religious. Stories from his youth show him as a lively and fun-loving young man.

Images for kids

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  Robert Day's father-in-law, Percivall Pott, was a famous English surgeon.