William Gregory

William Gregory PC (I) (February 1762 – 13 April 1840) was an Irish politician and civil servant. He was the most senior permanent official in the Dublin Castle administration between 1812 and 1830, during which time he opposed Catholic emancipation and the liberal agendas of several Lords Lieutenant of Ireland.

Biography Gregory was the youngest of three sons of Robert Gregory and Marie Auchmuty. Gregory was born in India, where his father worked for the East India Company, but he was educated at Harrow School in England. He then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with a Master of Arts in 1787. Gregory entered the Inner Temple in 1788 and was called to the English bar in 1788, although he does not appear to have practised law. He served briefly in the final Irish parliament as the Member of Parliament for Portarlington between January and August 1800, where he was firm supporter of the Acts of Union 1800. In 1800 he was also appointed secretary to the board of inland navigation. Gregory succeeded to his father's extensive estates and property in 1810 and continued with minor roles in the Irish administration until 1812.

After his dismissal from the Castle in 1830, Gregory retired from public life. In 1835 he was appointed to the Privy Council of Ireland, having twice rejected an hereditary title. He died on 13 April 1840 at his Phoenix Park residence, which he had occupied since 1812 as the Ranger of the Park.