Edmund Pery, 1st Viscount Pery

He was born in Limerick, into one of the city's most politically influential families, the elder son of the Rev. Stackpole Pery and Jane (née Twigge). His maternal grandfather was William Twigg, Archdeacon of Limerick. His younger brother was the leading Church of Ireland clergyman, William Pery, who was ennobled as Baron Glentworth in 1790. He was called to the Bar of Ireland in 1745. As a barrister, he quickly became well regarded in the legal profession and was noted for his careful and measured delivery during court proceedings. ==Parliamentary career==

Despite his success in law, Pery decided to pursue a career in politics and became a member of the Irish House of Commons for the Wicklow constituency in 1751. He had the distinction of being elected to the chair twice more, in 1776 and 1783. Upon becoming Speaker, he was made a member of the Privy Council of Ireland. In 1783, he stood also for Dungannon, however chose to sit for Limerick City. in the Peerage of Ireland, entitling him to a seat in the Irish House of Lords. He rarely spoke in the Lords, but in 1799 he contributed to a debate to oppose the proposed legislative union with Great Britain. On 20 January 1799, Pery hosted opponents of the union at his Dublin townhouse, but his influence over the ensuing debate in parliament was limited. Nonetheless, he voted against the union bill. ==Role in the development of Limerick==

Pery is also noted for his part in the history of the architecture of Limerick and he displayed great interest in the prosperity of his native city. which led to the construction of the Georgian area of the city later known eponymously as Newtown Pery. Pery also instructed that the old city walls should be levelled, new roads laid, and a new bridge and spacious quays be built. He was commemorated in the naming of Pery Square. ==Marriages and issue==

Pery married Patricia Martin of Dublin in 1756, who died a year later, and secondly in 1762 Elizabeth Vesey, daughter of John Vesey, 1st Baron Knapton and Elizabeth Brownlow. He and Elizabeth had two daughters: • Hon. Diana Pery, who married her cousin Thomas Knox, 1st Earl of Ranfurly. • Hon. Frances Pery, who married Nicolson Calvert, MP for Hertfordshire. ==Later life and death==

In retirement, Pery lived mostly at his estate in England and in his London townhouse. Pery died on 24 February 1806 at his home on Park Street, Mayfair, London, and was buried in the Calvert family vault at Furneux Pelham in Hertfordshire. ==Notes==