Edmund Pery, 1st Viscount Pery

Edmund Sexton Pery, 1st Viscount Pery

Early life He was born in Limerick, into one of the city's most politically influential families, the elder son of the Rev. Stackpole Pery and Jane (née Twigge). His maternal grandfather was William Twigg, Archdeacon of Limerick. His younger brother was the leading Church of Ireland clergyman, William Pery, who was ennobled as Baron Glentworth in 1790. He was called to the Bar of Ireland in 1745. As a barrister, he quickly became well regarded in the legal profession and was noted for his careful and measured delivery during court proceedings. He had the distinction of being elected to the chair twice more, in 1776 and 1783. Upon becoming Speaker, he was made a member of the Privy Council of Ireland. In 1783, he stood also for Dungannon, however chose to sit for Limerick City. in the Peerage of Ireland, entitling him to a seat in the Irish House of Lords. He rarely spoke in the Lords, but in 1799 he contributed to a debate to oppose the proposed legislative union with Great Britain. On 20 January 1799, Pery hosted opponents of the union at his Dublin townhouse, but his influence over the ensuing debate in parliament was limited. which led to the construction of the Georgian area of the city later known eponymously as Newtown Pery. Pery also instructed that the old city walls should be levelled, new roads laid, and a new bridge and spacious quays be built.