Saintfield man who dared to think given new honour

Saintfield man who dared to think given new honour

16 May 2012 - by Joanne Fleming

SAINTFIELD’S most famous son was recognised in a series of books presented to the Linenhall Library this week.

Francis Hutcheson, one of the leading philosophers of the 18th century, was brought to the attention of the library by Saintfield Heritage Society.

The society bought reprints of 14 of his books to showcase his importance as part of the development of the United Irishmen, the French Revolution and the American War of Independence.

Until now there have been no copies of Francis Hutcheson’s books in the Linenhall Library, and as the library played an important role in the development of the United Irishmen, the society thought it particularly fitting.

At the event local historian Philip Orr spoke about his life and influence of Hutcheson and historian Tom Hartley spoke about the context of Francis Hutcheson in Irish history. John Killen, the Linenhall Librarian, also spoke about the links between Hutcheson via William and Thomas Drennan to the Society of United Irishmen and the Linenhall Library in the 1790s.

Martyn Todd, chair of Saintfield Heritage Society, said everyone involved was keen to see Francis Hutcheson, one of the leading philosophers of the 18th century, properly revered in his native land, and explained the society’s long campaign for his better recognition.

“In 2003, after nearly ten years of endeavour and persistence with the Ulster History Circle, a blue plaque for Francis Hutcheson, sponsored by The Friends of Down County Museum, was unveiled on the gable of the Guildhall of the First Presbyterian Church in Saintfield,” Martyn explained.

“The site was chosen as Francis Hutcheson’s grandfather, the Reverend Alexander Hutcheson, was the first Presbyterian Minister in that church. The trials of the project are recorded in the Society’s seventh book in an article written by the Chairman during the project, Joe Morton.

“I think it was the famous Adam Smith, credited as being the first economist and author of The Wealth of Nations who wrote to his University Professor as ‘the never to be forgotten Francis Hutcheson’. “Saintfield Heritage Society’s next step to help ensure that Hutcheson would not be forgotten was to add information about him to the Saintfield website (www.discoversaintfield.com) when it was created in 2011. Again the Society is grateful to Philip Orr for allowing us to add his excellent article on the life and influence of Francis Hutcheson to that website.”

Martyn said that this week’s initiative with the Linenhall Library was the next step in ensuring Francis Hutcheson is not only never forgotten but also is more widely revered in the place and country of his birth.

“His ideas were used as part of the foundation of the Society of United Irishmen, here in Belfast in October 1791,” he said.

“The Linenhall Library, in the form of the Belfast Reading Society, was already in existence in 1791, and we know that it played a role in the growth of the United Irishmen at that dramatic time in the history of this island.

“It therefore seemed fitting to Saintfield Heritage Society that the writings of our distinguished philosopher, referred to by Benjamin Franklin as the ingenious Mr Hutcheson, should be available here. It therefore gives me great pleasure, on behalf of Saintfield Heritage Society, to hand over these books to the Linenhall Library.”