George Marlay

George Marlay, DD was an Irish Anglican priest in the eighteenth century: he was Bishop of Dromore from 1745 until 1763. He gave his name to Marlay Park, which is now a popular amenity in southDublin.

He was born at Creevagh Beg, near Ballymahon,County Longford,the younger son of Anthony Marlay and Elizabeth Morgan. His father was originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne,and was ason of theEnglish Civil Warhero Sir John Marlay. His mother came from a long established landowning family in County Sligo. Thomas Marlay, Lord Chief Justice of Ireland,washis brother. Thomas was the father of Richard Marlay, Bishop of Waterford, and grandfather of the noted statesman Henry Grattan.

Marlaywas educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He was Prebendary of Raphoe and Rector of Louth.

He married Elizabeth Dunleavy and had two children, George and Elizabeth. George was an army officer, whofought in the American War of Independence, and was captured after the Battle of Saratoga.He married Lady Catherine Butler, younger daughter of Brinsley Butler, 2nd Earl of Lanesborough and lived mainly in London.Elizabeth married the leading bankerDavidLa Touche, who becamethefirst Governor of the Bank of Ireland. David built an impressive house south of Dublin city, which he named Marlay in honour of his wife's family. Today it is in public ownership and a popular amenity forDubliners.

Marlay died on 13 April 1763.