Rt. Hon. Walter Hussey Burgh

Wikipedia Biographical Summary

Walter Hussey Burgh (1742–1783) was an Irish statesman and judge.

Background

He was born in Kildare, son of Ignatius Hussey of Donore House, near Naas, and his wife Elizabeth Burgh. Walter adopted the surname Burgh as a condition for inheriting an estate in Limerick from his uncle. In 1767 he married Anne de Burgh, daughter of Thomas Burgh and sister of the statesman William de Burgh, and they had a son and five daughters. Anne died in 1782.

Career

He was called to the Bar in 1769 and within a few years became one of its leaders. He entered the Irish House of Commons in the same year, sitting first for Athy, later for the University of Dublin. In Parliament he was a close associate of Henry Grattan and a supporter of his " free trade" programme; he became legendary for his oratory in support of the Irish Patriot Party. He was appointed Prime Serjeant in 1776, resigned the office in 1779 but was re-appointed in 1782. A month later he was appointed Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer but died the following year at the assizes in Armagh, reportedly from gaol fever.

SOURCE: Wikipedia contributors, 'Walter Hussey Burgh', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 6 August 2013, 09:39 UTC, <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_Hussey_Burgh&oldid...> [accessed 9 October 2013]

Other References

• Burke, Bernard, Sir. A genealogical and heraldic history of the landed gentry of Great Britain & Ireland 6th ed. London : Harrison 1879. Vol I. page 444