Bernard Hale

Who was Bernard Hale?

Sir Bernard Hale was an English-born judge who became Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.

He was born at King's Walden, Hertfordshire, eighth son of William Hale and his wife Mary Elwes. The Hales had owned property in KIng's Walden since the sixteenth century. He married Anne Thoresby of Northampton: they had seven children including General Bernard Hale, William Hale, Richard Hale and Jane Hale, who married Martin Madan; her portrait was painted by Allan Ramsay. He was called to the Bar in 1705.

In 1722 he was appointed Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer, and earned a good reputation in Ireland for integrity and efficiency. In 1725 it was rumoured that he was to be Lord Chancellor of Ireland; but instead he returned to England as a Baron of the Exchequer, and received a knighthood.

He died at Red Lion Square, London in 1729 and was buried at King's Walden.