Henry Grattan collection

Collection

Identifier: MS-HUT-001

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of one pamphlet, three manuscript documents, and one letter which concern Grattan's attempts to reform the system of tithes in Ireland. The pamphlet, "Speech of the Right Honorable Henry Grattan, on the Subject of Tythe, in the House of Commons, on Thursday, February 14, 1788," and supporting documents were sent by an English clergyman in Ireland, Joseph Stopford, to the Earl of Courtown. In 1787, 1788, and 1789 Grattan introduced bills that would make tithing less of a hardship for the Irish. The tithes provided support for the English clergy only, and the system of collection was riddled with inefficiency and corruption. In 1788, Grattan's second attempt incurred the wrath of Reverand Stopford. The bill he presented provided that those who improved their bog land would not have to pay tithes on it for seven years. Stopford, along with other clergy, outlined nine objections to the bill, which the minister enclosed with his letter to the Earl. In the letter, he reiterates his arguments, and describes Grattan's ultimate defeat in Parliament. The collection provides a sharply focused look at a major issue in Anglo-Irish colonial relations. The pamphlet reproduces Grattan's speech on tithes before the Irish House of Commons. Stopford's handwritten copy of the bill and its amendments makes it easy to compare the clergys' criticisms with the text. And Stopford's letter presents a more emotional plea for English support in this matter.

Dates

Creation: 1700s

Creator

Grattan, Henry, 1746-1820 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Contact archives@lists.johnshopkins.edu for more information.

Collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical / Historical

Henry Grattan was a well-known orator and member of the Irish Parliament during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He lobbied for greater Irish autonomy, reform of English trade practices as they related to Ireland, and commutation and rearrangement of the tithing system.

Extent

0.2 Cubic Feet (4 documents and 1 pamphlet)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Henry Grattan was a well-known orator and member of the Irish Parliament during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The collection consists of one pamphlet, three manuscript documents, and one letter which concern Grattan's attempts to reform the system of tithes in Ireland.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The manuscripts were purchased by the Library in 1930 through the generosity of Abram G. and David Hutzler to be added to the Abram G. Hutzler Collection of Economic Classics.