Christopher Hely-Hutchinson

Christopher Hely-Hutchinson (1767–1826) was an Irish lawyer, politician and soldier. Early life The fifth son of John Hely-Hutchinson, he was born on 5 April 1767. Educated at Trinity College Dublin, and at the Temple, he was called to the Irish bar in 1792. His father's influence helped in his profession. Irish Parliament In 1795 Hely-Hutchinson entered the Irish House of Commons, succeeding his father as MP for the borough of Taghmon, in County Wexford. He was a supporter of Earl Fitzwilliam, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at the time of his election. Hely-Hutchinson was strongly opposed to the administration of Lord Camden who succeeded later in 1795, and becoming disgusted at the course of events he withdrew from parliament in 1796. Military service On the outbreak of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, Hely-Hutchinson enlisted as a volunteer under his brother John. He saw action in the Battle of Ballinamuck, where he was instrumental in capturing the French generals Lafontaine and Sarrazin, and was commended for his bravery by Lord Cornwallis.