Robert Jocelyn, 1st Viscount Jocelyn facts for kids
Robert Jocelyn, 1st Viscount Jocelyn (born around 1688 – died 3 December 1756) was an important politician and judge in Ireland. He is best known for serving as the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, which was the highest legal position in the country. He was also a member of the Peerage of Ireland, a group of noble families.
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Robert Jocelyn's Life
Early Years
Robert Jocelyn was the oldest son of Thomas Jocelyn and Anne Bray. His family had lived in Sawbridgeworth, England, for a very long time, since at least the 1400s. Some of his ancestors were even Lord Mayor of London.
When he was young, Robert Jocelyn studied law. He met Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke, who later became a very powerful judge in Great Britain. This friendship would help Jocelyn in his own career.
Starting His Career
In 1709, Jocelyn began his formal legal training at Gray's Inn in London. He became a lawyer in Ireland on 27 January 1719.
He then entered politics. In September 1725, he was elected to the Irish House of Commons (like a parliament) for Granard, a town in County Longford. He later became a "Third Serjeant" in the legal system in 1726. In 1727, he was elected to represent Newtownards in County Down.
Becoming a Law Officer
Robert Jocelyn continued to rise in the legal world. On 4 May 1727, he became the Solicitor-General for Ireland. This is a senior legal advisor to the government. When King George II came to the throne, Jocelyn kept his job.
On 22 October 1730, he was promoted again to Attorney-General for Ireland. This is an even higher legal position, where he was the chief legal officer for the Crown in Ireland.
Serving as Lord Chancellor
In 1739, Robert Jocelyn became the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. This was a very powerful role, making him the head of the legal system and a key advisor to the government. He also became the speaker of the Irish House of Lords, which is part of the Irish Parliament.
Because of his important role, he was given a special title: Baron Newport in 1743.
During his time as Lord Chancellor, Ireland faced a terrible time called the Famine of 1740–1. This was a very severe period of hunger and hardship. Jocelyn was involved in trying to find ways to help the people.
In 1755, he received another noble title, becoming Viscount Jocelyn. In September 1756, he left Ireland to try and get better from an illness. He never returned, and he passed away in London on 3 December 1756, at the age of 68. He was buried back in his family's home town of Sawbridgeworth.
His Character and Legacy
People who knew Robert Jocelyn described him as a good and kind person. Lord Chesterfield, a famous writer, called him "a man of great worth." Jocelyn enjoyed reading and learning about history.
He often served as one of the "Lords Justices" when the main ruler of Ireland, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was away. He was also the president of a historical society in Dublin.
Jocelyn had a house in St Stephen's Green in Dublin and later rented Mount Merrion House outside the city. He was known for being simple and humble. People sometimes mistook his chaplain or house manager for him because they looked more like important noblemen than he did! He loved being at home at Mount Merrion and enjoyed walking in the countryside around it.
Even though he was from England, Robert Jocelyn loved Ireland very much. He rarely left the country in the last 20 years of his life, which made many consider him an "honorary Irishman."
There are two paintings of Robert Jocelyn by the artist Stephen Slaughter. A marble statue was also made in his memory and placed in Sawbridgeworth Church by his son.
His Family
Robert Jocelyn married twice. His first wife was Charlotte Anderson. They married in 1720. They had one son, also named Robert, who later inherited his father's titles and became the Earl of Roden. Charlotte passed away in 1747, and Robert Jocelyn was very sad.
In 1754, he married Frances Claxton. This marriage was also a happy one, even though it was short. Frances outlived Robert and passed away in 1772.
