John Whalley

Alfred Webb

A Compendium of Irish Biography

1878

Whalley, John, a notorious quack and astrologer, who flourished in Dublin in the latter part of the 17th century, was born 29th April 1653. He learned the trade of shoemaking; but found the compiling of prophetic almanacks, compounding quack medicines, and practising necromancy more profitable employments. He rendered himself peculiarly obnoxious to the Catholic Irish by his fanatical railings against them and their religion; and during James II.'s occupation of Dublin, consulted his safety by retiring to England. At the conclusiun of the war Whalley returned to Ireland, and resumed his profession and the publication of almanacks and astrological pamphlets,at the "Blew Posts, next door to the Wheel of Fortune, on the west side of St. Stephen's-green," at "the Blew Ball, Arundal-court, just without St. Nicholas'-gate," and elsewhere in Dublin. He carried on a perpetual warfare with rival astrologers and almanack compilers in the city. In 1714 he started a newspaper, styled Whalley's News-Letter. "The Doctor," as he styled himself, died 17th January 1724, aged 70. His widow continued to publish almanacks for some years in Bell-alley, off Golden-lane.

Sources

110. Dublin, History of the City: John T. Gilbert. 3 vols. Dublin, 1854-'9.

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