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Banking crisis of 1721 revisited in display of 300-year-old pamphlets

16 Feb 2021, 11.39

Front covers of two political pamphlets dated 1721

This month the Oireachtas Library is revisiting the failed attempt to set up a national bank of Ireland 300 years ago with pamphlets for and against the proposal in its virtual display case.

In 1720 a number of Irish MPs petitioned the King for a charter to set up a national bank of Ireland. When the Parliament of Ireland met to debate the issue the following year, however, it was voted out after the first paragraph. What’s more, both Houses passed severe resolutions declaring not only that an Irish bank would be a national threat, but that anyone who pursued the idea would be considered an "enemy to his country".

To find out more, visit the digital exhibition of the documents in the display case.

The Library’s monthly display continues to be virtual while many staff continue to work from home.

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