Joseph Deane

Joseph Deane PC (1674–1715) was an Irish politician and judge who became Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer. His sudden and premature death was popularly believed to be due to watching an eclipse of the sun.

He was born at Crumlin, Dublin, son of Joseph Deane (of Deanehill, County Meath) and his wife Elizabeth Parker, daughter of John Parker, Archbishop of Dublin, and his wife Mary Clarke. His grandfather Major Joseph Deane was a close associate of Oliver Cromwell and a cousin of Richard Deane, the regicide. For his good services to Cromwell, the Major received large grants of land in five counties. On the Restoration of Charles II he managed to retain much of this property including Crumlin and Terenure. While the judge's brother Edward inherited most of the Deane estates including Terenure, Joseph inherited the Crumlin estate.

Deane matriculated in the University of Dublin in 1689 and entered Gray's Inn in 1694.

He was called to the Bar and sat in the Irish House of Commons from 1703 to 1714 as member for County Dublin. He enjoyed the friendship of the powerful William King, Archbishop of Dublin who recommended him to the English Crown as a man of great sense, knowledge of the law, honesty and good temper. Deane was made a Privy Councillor and on the accession of King George I he became the Irish Chief Baron.

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