Thomas Orde, 1746–1807

The book analyses Thomas Orde’s background, along with the state of education in Ireland during his time as Chief Secretary, the evolution of his ideas on education, his main education plan of 1787 and reactions to his plan. The principal reactions came from the churches, the press and parliament.

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The book deals with Thomas Orde, Chief Secretary for Ireland 1784–1787, and his plans for an innovative education scheme for Ireland. His education plan was introduced in the Irish House of Commons in 1787, but because of circumstances beyond Orde’s control, it never reached the stage of a second or third reading. It is, nevertheless, an important intervention in the history of Irish education, as it paved the way for educational research and a host of fresh plans for Irish education over the following half-century, culminating with the introduction of the National System in 1831.