Birth of Henry Sirr, Dublin Town Head of Police

Henry Charles Sirr (25 November 1764 – 7 January 1841) was an Anglo-Irish military officer, policeman, merchant and art collector. He was born on November 25, 1764, in Dublin Castle, Ireland, the son of Major Joseph Sirr, the Town Major (chief of police) of Dublin from 1762 to 1767.

Sirr served in the British Army in 1778–1791, returning to Dublin with the rank of lieutenant, and thereafter in the wine trade.

In 1792 he married Eliza D’Arcy (1767–1829), the daughter of James D’Arcy. He was the father of Rev. Joseph D’Arcy Sirr, MRIA and of Henry Charles Sirr.

He played a prominent role in suppressing the Irish Rebellion of 1798, which included personally killing Society of United Irishmen leader Lord Edward FitzGerald, who Sirr alleged had been resisting arrest.

As chief of police, Sirr was involved in various activities aimed at suppressing Irish rebels and political agitators, including his notable role during the 1798 Rebellion. His methods were often controversial, and he became a polarizing figure in Dublin during his time.