Sir Joseph de Courcy Laffan, Bart., M.D., was a son of Walter Laffan, Esq., of Cashel, by his wife Eleonora, daughter and co-heiress of Richard de Courcy, Esq., through whom he was connected with the noble family of De Courcy, viscounts Kinsale. After a good classical education he was sent to Edinburgh, where he graduated doctor of medicine 24th June, 1808 (D.M.I. de Digitali).

He was admitted a Licentiate of the College of Physicians 22nd December, 1808, when he commenced business in Orchard-street, Portman-square, but in 1812 entered the army, and was appointed physician to the forces, and eventually physician in ordinary to the duke of Kent. He served in Spain and Portugal, and at the termination of the war settled at Rochester, where he continued until disabled by disease. He was created a baronet by patent, dated 15th March, 1828, and in 1836 was created a knight of the Hanoverian Guelphic order. Sir Joseph Laffan died at Vichy, 7th July, 1848, in the sixty-second year of his age. His body was brought to Rochester and interred in a vault in St. Margaret’s church.

William Munk