Boyle, Hamilton
, earl of Cork and Orrery, the second son of John, earl of Orrery, the subject of the last article but one, was born in February 1730, and educated at Westminster-school, where the masterly manner in which he acted the part of Ignoramus, and spoke the epilogue, did great credit to his genius. In June 1748, he was matriculated at Oxford, and December following was admitted student of Christ-church, and proceeded regularly to the degree of LL. B. In 1762 he succeeded his father in the earldom, his elder brother having deceased three years before. In 1763, he was created LL. D. by diploma, and at the same time appointed high steward of the university of Oxford. He continued student of Christ church on a faculty till his death, which happened at Marston house, Jan. 17, 1764. He is recorded as an author from having contributed two papers to the “World,” drawn up with vivacity, elegance, and humour, and affording a proof that if his life had been continued, he would have added new literary honour to his celebrated name and family.*
Among many bon-mots of Hamilton Boyle, Mr. Duncombe recollected the following: his father once wondering why the Irish peers were allowed to walk at royal funerals, but not at weddings, his son, then lord Dungarvan, replied, that neither could he conceive the reason, unless it were that the Irish peers were expecied to howl.
Biog.Brit. vol. II. p. 525.—British Essayists, Preface to the World, vol. XXVI.