William Preston (poet)
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William Preston | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1753 |
| Died | 1807 (aged 53–54) |
| Occupation | Playwright |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin |
| Genre | Poetry |
William Preston (1753 – 2 February 1807) was an Irish poet, playwright and essayist.
Born in the parish of St. Michan's, Dublin, he was admitted a pensioner at Trinity College Dublin in 1766. He graduated B.A. in 1770, and M.A. in 1773, studied in the Middle Temple, and was called to the Irish bar in 1777.[1] At one point he was Commissioner of Appeals.[2]
Preston assisted in the formation of the Royal Irish Academy, and was elected its first secretary in 1786, a post he held during the rest of his life. He also helped to found the Dublin Library Society, and was a contributor to its Transactions.[1]
Preston, who was a member of the Monks of the Screw, died on 2 February 1807. He was buried in St. Thomas's churchyard, Dublin.[1]
