Edward Richards Richards-Orpen (20 October 1884 – 14 November 1967) was an Irish independent politician, agriculturalist and conservationist.[1] He was a member of Seanad Éireann from 1948 to 1951.
Edward Richards-Orpen | |
|---|---|
| Senator | |
| In office 21 April 1948 – 14 August 1951 | |
| Constituency | Nominated by the Taoiseach |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Edward Richards Orpen 20 October 1884 London, England |
| Died | 14 November 1967 (aged 83) County Wexford, Ireland |
| Political party | |
| Spouse |
Margaret Tomalin (m. 1914) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
|
| Education | St Paul's School, London |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
| Military career | |
| Service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1916–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Army Service Corps |
| Battles / wars | World War I |
Early life and background
editHe was born Edward Richards Orpen on 20 October 1884 in London, to the family of Adela Orpen (née Richards) and Goddard Henry Orpen of Monksgrange,[2] a historian of the Anglo-Norman period of Irish history. He was also related to Irish portrait painter, William Orpen. He attended St Paul's School, London, and went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1903.[2]
In April 1914 he married Margaret Tomalin, daughter of Lewis Tomalin, founder of the Jaeger clothing company.[2] Before his marriage he changed his surname to Richards-Orpen to satisfy his mother's wish for her family's name to be preserved once he inherited the family estate.[2] In December 1916 during World War I, he joined Royal Army Service Corps (RASC), which undertook the work of food and weapons supply to the soldiers at the front.[2] Because of his dedicated work and leadership qualities, he was quickly promoted. After few months of joining, he was promoted to second lieutenant, followed by the post of captain.[2]
Post-war activities
editOn inheriting the family estate on his mother's death in 1927, he established Grange Furniture Industry.[2] In 1928, he became secretary of the Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland.[2]
Politics
editIn 1932, he was involved in the establishment of a new farmers' organisation, the National Farmers' and Ratepayers' League.[2] Later known as the National Centre Party, after the 1933 general election, it merged to form Fine Gael.
He was nominated by the Taoiseach to the 6th Seanad in 1948.[3] He did not contest the 1951 Seanad election.[1]
Honors
editThe Edward Richards-Orpen Memorial Trust was established in his honor. The trust owns and operates the Monksgrange Archives.
References
edit- ^ a b "Edward Richards-Orpen". Oireachtas Members Database. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Bull, Philip. "Orpen, Edward Richards Richards-". Dictionary of Irish Biography. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ "Edward Richards-Orpen". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 5 August 2013.