Robert Jocelyn, Earl of Roden

Alfred Webb

A Compendium of Irish Biography

1878

Jocelyn, Robert, Earl of Roden, a distinguished Orangeman, was born 27th October 1788. His great-grandfather, Robert Jocelyn, Lord-Chancellor of Ireland, was elevated to the peerage as Viscount Jocelyn, in 1755, while his grandfather was created Earl of Roden in 1771. He succeeded to the title and estates in Herts and Louth, in 1820. Lord Roden was created a peer of the United Kingdom as Baron Clanbrassil, in 1821. As member of Parliament for Dundalk, and afterwards in the House of Lords, he was the unswerving advocate of Conservative principles — trusted and honoured by his party, and beloved by the members of the Orange Association, which he joined at an early age, and of which he was Grand Master. He was deprived of the commission of the peace and other county honours on account of his strong party bias. He took a prominent part at most of the great Protestant and Conservative gatherings in the north of Ireland in his lifetime, and was strong in his opposition to O'Connell and his policy during one of the stormiest political periods of Irish history. His addresses are said to have been characterized by "prudent wisdom and Christian kindness.. he was a model Orangeman." Lord Roden died at Edinburgh (whither he had gone some months previously for the benefit his health) on the 20th March 1870, aged 81.

Sources

233. Manuscript and Special Information, and Current Periodicals.

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