Robinson Library
Archived: 12 October 2026
In 1771, Edmund Sexten Pery’s election as Speaker signalled Dublin Castle’s growing ability under Lord Lieutenant George Townshend to organise parliamentary support, though alliances remained fragile. The session beginning that autumn introduced improvement measures, including limited Catholic leases of reclaimed bog, later enacted in 1772. Belfast began building its poor-house and infirmary, later Clifton House, reflecting commercial growth, charitable discipline and medical provision. Archbishop Richard Robinson founded Armagh Public Library, extending learning beyond Dublin while expressing Church of Ireland authority. Grain imports and proposals for canals, navigation, streets, hospitals and reclamation revealed an economy dependent on trade, labour, uneven improvement.
