Ferguson, Samuel (1810–1886)

Irish antiquary and poet and a leading figure in Protestant cultural nationalism. Ferguson was born in Belfast and educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He was appointed deputy keeper of the Irish Records in 1867 and his antiquarian works include the Ogham Inscriptions (1887). He was a notable president of the Royal Irish Academy. Ferguson also wrote poetry, his lyrics and ballads anticipating the Irish revival. The Forging of the Anchor (1883) is generally regarded as his masterpiece. His other verse includes Lays of the Western Gael (1865) and the epic poem Congal (1872).

Ferguson was called to the bar in 1838, became Queens Counsel (QC) in 1859, and was knighted in 1878.