Thomas Dalton (judge)
Thomas Dalton (died 1730) was an English judge who became Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.
Dalton was born in Hampshire, eldest son of the Reverend Peter Dalton; his mother is said to have belonged to the Dublin family of Dominick, who gave their name to Dominick Street, in which case Sir Christopher Dominick (died 1743) who began laying out the street, was probably a first cousin. He graduated from Queen's College, Oxford in 1702 and became a fellow of All Souls' College in 1706. He was called to the Bar in 1711. In 1725 he was appointed Lord Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer and held office until his death in 1730, aged about fifty-five. He was buried in St Andrew's Church, Dublin.
According to Elrington Ball, during his academic career he had a reputation for pride and arrogance; enemies called him a proud empty Whig, who offended many by throwing a celebration dinner on each anniversary of the execution of Charles I of England. However he earned a good reputation as Chief Baron and after his premature death tributes were paid in verse to him as a " learned and unbiased judge."[1]
Dalton's high reputation in Ireland is confirmed by a letter written by Hugh Boulter, the influential Archbishop of Armagh, who was consulted on all judicial appointments. Richard West, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, died suddenly at the end of 1726. Boulter wrote to the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Granville, recommending Thomas Wyndham, who was successful in obtaining the office. If Wyndham was unsuitable for any reason, the Archbishop recommended Dalton, as " having a very good character here, and being well skilled in the affairs of Ireland."[2]