Edward Richards-Orpen

He was born Edward Richards Orpen on 20 October 1884 in London, to the family of Adela Orpen (née Richards) and Goddard Henry Orpen of Monksgrange,[2] a historian of the Anglo-Norman period of Irish history. He was also related to Irish portrait painter, William Orpen. He attended St Paul's School, London, and went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1903.[2]

In April 1914 he married Margaret Tomalin, daughter of Lewis Tomalin, founder of the Jaeger clothing company.[2] Before his marriage he changed his surname to Richards-Orpen to satisfy his mother's wish for her family's name to be preserved once he inherited the family estate.[2] In December 1916 during World War I, he joined Royal Army Service Corps (RASC), which undertook the work of food and weapons supply to the soldiers at the front.[2] Because of his dedicated work and leadership qualities, he was quickly promoted. After few months of joining, he was promoted to second lieutenant, followed by the post of captain.[2]

On inheriting the family estate on his mother's death in 1927, he established Grange Furniture Industry.[2] In 1928, he became secretary of the Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland.[2]

In 1932, he was involved in the establishment of a new farmers' organisation, the National Farmers' and Ratepayers' League.[2] Later known as the National Centre Party, after the 1933 general election, it merged to form Fine Gael.

He was nominated by the Taoiseach to the 6th Seanad in 1948.[3] He did not contest the 1951 Seanad election.[1]

The Edward Richards-Orpen Memorial Trust was established in his honor. The trust owns and operates the Monksgrange Archives.