was named before 1860 in honor of a Melbourne barrister turned politician named Richard Davies Ireland.
photographer, Stephen Hatcher. December 2024.
Richard Davies Ireland (1815-1877), was born on 27 October 1815 in County Galway, Ireland, son of James Stanley Ireland, army captain, and his wife Matilda, née Davies. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin (B.A., 1837), and called to the Bar in 1838. Attracted by politics, he supported Irish confederation in 1848. Like many talented Irish lawyers, restricted by the overcrowded state of their profession, he decided to migrate to Victoria. They arrived in 1853.
One year later around the Eureka Stockade Rebellion on 3 December 1854, prompted Ireland in 1855 to offer his services as defence counsel, pro bono, to Raffaelo Carboni and the others who had been charged with treason. He earned widespread acclaim for his brilliant defence and all of them were acquitted.
His personal life reflected his gregarious vivacity and tendency to impulsiveness. He was reputed to have had an affair in 1855 with Henrietta Molesworth, the rather impetuous and flighty wife of Supreme Court Judge Robert Molesworth, who was a neighbour in St Kilda. Ireland’s wife, Sophia, had banned the Molesworth’s from her house, where they had once been frequent visitors.
Richard was charming, convivial, a clever mimic and dramatic raconteur, he was reputed to have spent the equivalent of four hansom financial fortunes before health failed him. He died on 11 January 1877, predeceased by his wife Sophia Mary, née Carr; they had six sons and four daughters.
Also known as Address known lately as 10-24 Ireland St. Previous Address Fernlea Constructed (1) 1865 (2) 1927/8 Builder (1st) Cranstone & Southion (2) tba
Also known as Address known lately as 53-55 Ireland St Previous Address The first pair of Victorian period dwelings built on this site were called Carlie cottages (53-55)
Also known as Address known lately as 53-55 Ireland St Previous Address The first pair of Victorian period dwelings built on this site were called Carlie cottages (53-55)
Also known as Address 112 Ireland Street Previous Address also known as 110 Ireland Street in 1895. Constructed (1st) 1865. (2nd) after 1972 Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875 Builder (1st) William Watson of Fitzroy.