Literature Committee
New Edition of 18th Century Book Provides Fascinating Insights
A new book featuring the letters of Archbishop Hugh Boulter paints a richer picture of the 18th century Archbishop of Armagh, who is often considered a one dimensional character. The Boulter Letters, edited by Kenneth Milne and Paddy McNally, was launched in Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday November 5 by Professor David Hayton. The current Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, also spoke at the launch.
Following his appointment as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of the Church of Ireland in 1724, Hugh Boulter quickly established himself as a central figure in the government of Ireland and the foremost upholder of the ‘English interest’ in Ireland until his death in 1744.
Originally published in 1769–70, The Boulter Letters represent one of the most important printed sources for the political and ecclesiastical history of Ireland in the early Hanoverian period. This new edition reproduces for the first time the originally published correspondence in its entirety, includes previously unpublished letters written by and to Boulter, and contains an extensive introduction to the collection.
It offers a fascinating insight into the political and ecclesiastical history of Ireland in the first half of the 18th century.
Lunching the book Professor David Hayton, Professor Emeritus at Queens University Belfast, explained that it could be said of Hugh Boulter that he was fortunate in his friends but unfortunate in his enemies. His friends included many influential people. However, he numbered among his enemies Jonathan Swift, who along with others, saw Boulter as someone brought in to put forward unworthy designs and uphold the English interest in Ireland.
But, Professor Hayton said that Boulter was a vigorous defender of the interests of the Church of Ireland and the modern edition of his letters provided a much more rounded insight. Just as important as the letters are the lengthy introductions of both editors, Professor Hayton commented. “Kenneth Milne’s introduction tells us a great deal about Boulter’s personal background and his rise in the church. Paddy McNally’s introduction is also enlightening and gives great detail of ecclesiastical manoeuvres,” he explained.
“This is an important resource for the 18th century history and for the Church of Ireland. His letters are a good read and they’re enormously informative and tell us about a range of subjects. They are interesting and revealing,” Professor Hayton said adding that the book is beautifully produced by Four Courts Press.
Speaking at the launch, Archbishop Richard Clarke said that many people had a single vision of Archbishop Boulter and he was seen primarily as an English operative. The Archbishop agreed that this was true on one level but he also had a pastoral heart and an evangelical concern for the people of Ireland.
Archbishop Clarke described the book as a ‘ripping good read’. “It’s a wonderful and entertaining book and it allows a much richer picture of who Hugh Boulter actually was,” he said.
Dr Milne paid tribute to his co–editor, Paddy McNally, for being largely responsible for the idea behind the book. He said it was a complex book to produce but said that Four Courts Press had done tremendous work. He also thanked the Church of Ireland Historical Society and the Dean of Christ Church for facilitating the launch and the Friends of Christ Church Cathedral for hosting it.
Kenneth Milne is Historiographer of the Church of Ireland and Keeper of the Archives at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Paddy McNally is Principal Lecturer in History at the University of Worcester.
The Boulter Letters may be purchased online by clicking here.