Page:A catalogue of notable Middle Templars, with brief biographical notices.djvu/131



Admitted 27 January, 1772.

Son and heir of Henry Hardy of Dublin. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and called to the Irish Bar in 1777. He took some part in politics, and for some time sat in the Irish House of Commons; but his inclinations were towards literature, and he co-operated with Lord Charlemont in the establishment of the Royal Irish Academy. He subsequently undertook the publication of some of the writings and the Memoirs of that nobleman, the latter of which appeared in 1810. In 1806 he received the appointment of Commissioner of Appeals in Dublin. He died 26 July, 1812.

Admitted 18 March, 1681-2.

Second son of Edward Harley of Bramton (Brampton) Castle, co. Hereford, Knight of the Bath. He was called to the Bar 25 May, 1688. In 1692 he was made Recorder of Leominster, which borough he subsequently represented in Parliament. In 1702 he obtained the appointment of Auditor of the Imprest, which he held during life. In this lucrative office he was charged with embezzlement, but triumphantly cleared himself. He took an active part in the proceedings which led to the establishment of William III. on the throne, and in Parliament be vigorously supported the policy of (q.v.), the Earl of Oxford. He died in New Square, Lincoln's Inn, 30 Aug. 1735.

Admitted 24 October, 1599.

Son and heir of Thomas Harley of Brampton Castle, Herefordshire. He was educated at Oxford, where his tutor was Cadwallader Owen, known as "Sic Doceo." He resided in the Temple till the coronation of James I., when he was knighted. He represented Radnor, and subsequently the county of Hereford in Parliament, and in 1626 was made Master of the Mint, from which office he was dismissed by the Parliament in 1649 for refusing to use a new stamp. During the Long Parliament he sat on many important committees, and was active in the proceedings against Stratford. His castle of Brampton Bryan was besieged in 1643 by the royal forces, but resolutely defended by his wife Brilliana. It was captured in the following year, and burnt, with its library and other valuable contents. He died 6 Nov. 1656. His grandson {q.v.) was created Earl of Oxford in 1711.

Admitted 18 March, 1681-2.

Son and heir of Edward Harley of Brampton Castle, co. Hereford, Knight of the Bath, and grandson of (q.v.). He was admitted the same day as his brother (q.v.). His career as a Statesman forms part of the public history of the country. He was born 5 Dec. 1661. In 1688 he seized Worcester for the Prince of Orange. In 1701 he was elected Speaker of the House of Commons, and in 1704 was made Chief Secretary of State. He was created Earl of Oxford 24 May, 1711, and became Lord Treasurer the same year. In 1714 he was expelled from office, and in 1715 imprisoned in the Tower. In 171 7 he was impeached, but acquitted and released (1 July). He died 21 May, 1724 He was also a member of Lincoln's Inn, where he was admitted 25 July, 1701.