Garret Wesley, 1st Earl Of Mornington

Garret Wesley, 1st Earl of Mornington, was born on July 19, 1735, at Dangan Castle near Summerhill, a village close to Trim in County Meath, Ireland. He was the son of Richard Wesley, 1st Baron Mornington, and Elizabeth Sale, daughter of John Sale, who served as Registrar of the Diocese of Dublin. Wesley received his education at Trinity College Dublin, where in 1764 he was elected as its first Professor of Music.

From a young age, Wesley demonstrated notable talent in playing the violin and began composing music early in his life. His musical pursuits included the composition of glees, such as "Here in cool grot," with lyrics by William Shenstone, and Anglican chant. He also composed larger works, including the five-act opera "Caractacus," with a libretto by William Mason, premiered at the Theatre Royal, Smock Alley, Dublin, on March 26, 1764. Additionally, he composed an "Ode for the Installation of the Duke of Bedford" at Trinity College Dublin on September 9, 1768; only the orchestral march from this work survives.

In 1757, Wesley represented Trim in the Irish House of Commons. The following year, he succeeded his father as the 2nd Baron Mornington. In 1759, he was appointed Custos Rotulorum of Meath. In 1760, he was elevated to the peerage as Viscount Wellesley, of Dangan Castle, and later that year received the title of Earl of Mornington. In 1776, he served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, a position he held until 1777.

Wesley's involvement in society extended beyond politics and music. He was a co-founder, along with Kane O'Hara and Francis Ireland, of a Musical Academy established in late 1757. This society operated as a concert-giving organization for amateurs, where he directed both the choir and orchestra. His contributions to society, especially his musical and philanthropic efforts, were recognized with appointments such as the appointment as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.

He married Anne Hill-Trevor on February 6, 1759. She was the eldest daughter of banker Arthur Hill-Trevor, 1st Viscount Dungannon, and his wife Anne Stafford. Their marriage was reportedly considered happy by Mary Delany, Lady Dungannon, despite Wesley's financial imprudence and Anne’s perceived lack of judgment. The couple had nine children, several of whom became prominent figures:

- Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley (1760–1842), who married Hyacinthe-Gabrielle Roland in 1794 and later Marianne Caton in 1825.

- Arthur Gerald Wesley (died 1768).

- William Wellesley-Pole, 3rd Earl of Mornington (1763–1845), married Katherine Forbes.

- Francis Wesley (1767–1770).

- Lady Anne Wesley (1768–1844), who married Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton, and subsequently Charles Culling Smith.

- Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852), married Catherine Pakenham in 1806.

- Gerald Valerian Wellesley (1770–1848), married Lady Emily Cadogan.

- Lady Mary Elizabeth Wesley (1772–1794).

- Henry Wellesley, 1st Baron Cowley (1773–1847), married Lady Charlotte Cadogan and later Lady Georgiana Cecil.

Many of Wesley's sons were created peers, and their titles have varied in status; currently, the Duke of Wellington and the Earl Cowley titles are extant.

Garret Wesley, 1st Earl of Mornington, died on May 22, 1781. His legacy includes contributions to Irish musical life and the raising of a notable family with significant influence in British and Irish history. Streets in Camden Town, London, named Mornington Crescent, Place, Street, and Terrace, commemorate his name, with Mornington Crescent station being named after the street.