On this day in 1742, Handel’s Messiah premiered in Dublin to an audience of 700. The premiere was the culmination of a season of concerts performed during the winter of 1741–1742. The idea originally came about by an invitation from the Duke of Devonshire, who was then serving as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Both St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral had permitted … [Read more...] about April 13, 1742
August 18, 1728
James Caulfeild, the 4th Viscount and 1st Earl of Charlemont, was born in Dublin on this day in 1728. Lord Charlemont was well known for his love of classical artwork, music and literature. He was politically connected to both Henry Flood and Henry Grattan, who were nationalists. Although he was an Earl, the first President of the Royal Irish Academy, a member of the Royal … [Read more...] about August 18, 1728
January 12, 1729
Edmund Burke, Irish statesman and philosopher, was born on this day in Dublin Ireland. Burke, who emigrated to London and served for many years in the House of Commons, is viewed as the founder of modern Conservatism. He is remembered for his support of Irish independence from Britain, and the American Revolution of which he famously said: "Young man, there is America -- which … [Read more...] about January 12, 1729
September 28, 1725
Sir Arthur Guinness, founder of the Guinness Company, is reportedly born in Co. Kildare on this day in 1725. There is much historical debate over whether this is the actual birthdate of Sir Arthur, yet to end further debate, the 1991 Guinness Company chose September 28 as his official birth date. After inheriting money from his godfather, 27 year old Arthur established a … [Read more...] about September 28, 1725
April 27, 1718
Thomas Lewis, a pioneer of the state of Virginia, was born on this day in 1718, in Co. Donegal to John and Margaret Lynn Lewis. John emigrated from Ireland to Philadelphia in 1728 and sent for his family to come over in 1730. In 1732 the Irish family made the bold move to Spotsylvania County, an area near the Shenandoah River, along what was then the western frontier of the … [Read more...] about April 27, 1718