John Hatch

John Hatch (around 1720–1797) was an Irish politician, land agent and developer in Dublin. He was a member of parliament. He is responsible for the layout and construction of Harcourt and Hatch streets. Early life Hatch was born around 1720, the son of Henry Hatch, a land agent on large estates. Henry was originally from the County Louth–Monaghan area, but resided in Dublin's Peter Street. He entered Trinity College Dublin in 1736, graduating in 1739. He was called to the Bar in 1749. Career Upon the death of his father in 1762, Hatch inherited his fortune and took on his agenting work. In 1768, he became seneschal of the Liberty of St. Sepulchre, acting as agent for the land belonging to the Archbishop of Dublin attached to his palace in Kevin Street. This gave Hatch a central position in Dublin planning. At the time the centre of the city was shifting eastward. This followed the building of the Royal Exchange in 1769 and the positioning of the Custom House in 1774. It was the period of the Wide Streets Commission and the construction of many of Dublin's characteristic Georgian streets.