Edward Richards Richards-Orpen (20 October 1884 – 14 November 1967) was an Irishindependent politician, agriculturalist and conservationist.[1] He was a member of Seanad Éireann from 1948 to 1951.
In April 1914 he married Margaret Tomalin, daughter of Lewis Tomalin, founder of the Jaeger clothing company.[2] Before his marriage he changed his surname to Richards-Orpen to satisfy his mother's wish for her family's name to be preserved once he inherited the family estate.[2] In December 1916 during World War I, he joined Royal Army Service Corps (RASC), which undertook the work of food and weapons supply to the soldiers at the front.[2] Because of his dedicated work and leadership qualities, he was quickly promoted. After few months of joining, he was promoted to second lieutenant, followed by the post of captain.[2]
Post-war activities
On inheriting the family estate on his mother's death in 1927, he established Grange Furniture Industry.[2] In 1928, he became secretary of the Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland.[2]
Politics
In 1932, he was involved in the establishment of a new farmers' organisation, the National Farmers' and Ratepayers' League.[2] Later known as the National Centre Party, after the 1933 general election, it merged to form Fine Gael.
