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Sir Richard Johnston, 1st Baronet

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Sir Richard Johnston, 1st Baronet (1 August 1743 – 22 April 1795) was an Anglo-Irish politician in the Irish House of Commons.

Johnston was High Sheriff of Down in 1765, High Sheriff of Armagh in 1771 and was made a baronet, of Gilford in the Baronetage of Ireland on 27 July 1772. Between 1776 and 1783 he was the Member of Parliament for Kilbeggan, before representing Blessington from 1783 until his death in 1795.[1] He was succeeded in his title by his son, William.

In March 1772, Johnston was the target of violent protests by the Hearts of Steel, who attacked his castle at Gilford, County Down. This resulted in a gun battle during which Johnston was forced to flee the castle by swimming across the River Bann.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ E. M. Johnston-Liik, MPs in Dublin: Companion to History of the Irish Parliament, 1692-1800 (Ulster Historical Foundation, 2006), p.99 (Retrieved 21 November 2022).
  2. ^ D. E. McIlroy. "The Battle of Gilford – 1772".
Parliament of Ireland
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Kilbeggan
1776–1783
With: Charles Lambart
Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Blessington
1783–1795
With: John Reilly
Succeeded by
Baronetage of Ireland
New title Baronet
(of Gilford)
1772–1795
Succeeded by
William Johnston