Nathaniel Clements
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Nathaniel Clements (1705–1777) was an Irish politician and financial figure, important in the political and financial administration of Ireland in the mid-18th century.
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[edit] Early history
Clements was the fifth son of Robert Clements (1664-1722). He married Hannah Gore, daughter of William Gore, D.D., Dean of Down, on 31 January 1730.
[edit] Career
Clements became MP for Duleek in 1727 under the patronage of Luke Gardiner, a powerful political and business figure in Dublin. He kept the seat until 1760. He commenced as a junior at the Irish Treasury in 1720 and held extensive offices there. He became the main financial manager of the British and Irish Government in Ireland during the period, and was de facto Minister for Finance from 1740 to 1777. He assumed the offices of Deputy Vice-Treasurer and Deputy Paymaster General on Gardiner's retirement in 1755. He was elected MP for Cavan Borough in 1761, holding it until his death in 1777.
[edit] Property development
Clements was appointed to the office of Chief Ranger of the Phoenix Park and Master of Game and built the Ranger's lodge (now Aras an Uachtarain in 1754. He was an extensive property portfolio, including Abbotstown, Co. Dublin, estates in Co. Leitrim and Co. Cavan. He was a developer of property in Georgian Dublin, including part of Henrietta Street where he lived at No. 7 from 1734 to 1757. He was one of the richest commoners in Ireland, notwithstanding his involvement in a failed banking venture in 1759.
[edit] Charitable activities
Clements was involved in many charitable activities including Dr Steven's Hospital, the Erasmus Smith Educational Foundation, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham for retired soldiers and others.
[edit] Family
Nathaniel Clements and Hannah Gore had six children:
- Robert Clements (1732-1804), created Earl of Leitrim in 1795, elected a representative peer in 1800
- Rt. Hon. Henry Theophilus Clements, MP
- Elizabeth, m. 1750, Francis Burton, second Baron Conyngham
- Hannah, m. 1752, George Montgomery, Ballyconnell, MP
- Catherine, m. Eyre Massey, 1st Baron Clarina
- Alice, m. 1773, Gen. Sir Ralph Gore, sixth Baronet, created Earl of Ross.
[edit] References
- Nathaniel Clements BT, A.P.W. Malcomson, 4 Courts Press 2005 ISBN 1-85182-913-x, [1], Book review[2]
