John Philpot Curran

Date of Birth: July 24, 1750

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: October 14, 1817

Biography

John Philpot Curran was an eminent Irish orator, lawyer, and politician born on July 24, 1750, in Newmarket, County Cork, Ireland. Curran is perhaps best known for his passionate advocacy for civil liberties and his role as a defender of prominent figures in Ireland during a turbulent period in the country’s history. He was a leading figure in the Irish Bar and served as Master of the Rolls in Ireland. Curran’s early education was at a local grammar school before he went on to study at Trinity College, Dublin. His eloquence and sharp wit earned him a reputation as a formidable lawyer. He was called to the Irish Bar in 1775 and quickly became known for his defense of individuals prosecuted under the repressive laws of the time. One of Curran’s most notable cases was the defense of United Irishmen leaders such as Wolfe Tone and Archibald Hamilton Rowan, who fought for Irish independence from British rule. His speeches in these trials were celebrated for their fervent expression of the principles of justice and freedom. In addition to his legal career, Curran was also active in politics, serving as a Member of the Irish Parliament for Kilbeggan and later for Rathcormack. He was a staunch advocate for Catholic emancipation and parliamentary reform. In 1806, he was appointed Master of the Rolls in Ireland, a position he held until his retirement in 1814. Curran’s personal life was marked by tragedy, including the early death of his wife Sarah Creagh and the mental illness of his daughter Sarah Curran, who was romantically linked to the martyred Robert Emmet. John Philpot Curran passed away on October 14, 1817, in Brompton, Middlesex, England.

5 Interesting Facts about John Philpot Curran

1. Curran was known for his sharp wit and once famously retorted that “Evil prospers when good men do nothing.”

2. He was a close friend of the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

3. Curran was only 5 feet 3 inches tall, but his commanding presence in court made him seem much larger.

4. He was a member of the Irish Hellfire Club, a notorious group known for its debauchery.

5. Curran’s speeches are still studied by law students for their rhetorical brilliance.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Philpot Curran

1. “Assassinate me you may; intimidate me you cannot.”

2. “It is the duty of the public advocate to promote and protect the interests of the people.”

3. “The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.”

4. “Evil prospers when good men do nothing.”

5. “I have never yet heard of a murderer who was not afraid of a ghost.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Philpot Curran’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but it is known that he amassed a considerable fortune through his successful legal career and his position as Master of the Rolls.

Children

John Philpot Curran had several children, including: 1. Sarah Curran, who was romantically involved with the Irish nationalist Robert Emmet. 2. Amelia Curran, a talented painter. 3. Richard Curran, who also pursued a legal career.