← Sir David Wilkie who later became a well-known painter of historical and religious works as well as portraits, was born near Pitlessie, Fife
Birth of Luke Kelly of the Dubliners →- January 1, 1
Henry Loftus, 1st Earl of Ely KP, PC (Ire) (18 November 1709 – 8 May 1783), styled The Honourable from 1751 to 1769 and known as Henry Loftus, 4th Viscount Loftus from 1769 to 1771, was an Anglo-Irish peer and politician.
Henry Loftus, the 4th Viscount and later Earl of Ely, was born on November 18, 1709. He was an Irish politician and a notable figure in the peerage. As the proprietor of several boroughs, he played a role in the political landscape of his time. He served as High Sheriff of Wexford in 1744 and between 1747 and 1768 represented Bannow in the Irish House of Commons.
Birth: Henry Loftus was born into the Loftus family on November 18, 1709.
Title Succession: He succeeded to the title of 4th Viscount Loftus upon the death of his father, Nicholas Loftus, in 1725.
Political Career: Henry Loftus was involved in Irish politics and served as a Member of Parliament. His political influence extended to his role as a proprietor of several boroughs.
Elevation to Earl of Ely: In 1766, Henry Loftus was elevated to the title of Earl of Ely, adding to his existing peerage.
Borough Proprietorship: Like many peers of his time, Henry Loftus held significant influence through the ownership or control of boroughs, allowing him to sway elections and play a part in parliamentary politics.
The Loftus family, with its long history in Ireland, held various titles and played important roles in both politics and society. Henry Loftus’ life and career are situated in the broader context of Irish and British history during the 18th century.