Franklin, Hillsborough and the Seeds of Independence

In this talk, David Orr, Castle and Collections Manager at Hillsborough Castle, explores Benjamin Franklin’s visit to Ireland in 1771, his relationship with Lord Hillsborough and the impact that this had on relations between the colonies and Britain, leading to the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. This pivotal meeting between two international statesmen laid the foundations for Hillsborough Castle’s key role in backstage diplomacy, a role that continues today.