Some of the most famous Irishmen named King have been of Anglo-Irish stock, notably Archbishop William King (1650-1729), a vigorous Protestant: he was an ornament to the nation by reason of his encouragement of the Irish language in Dublin University, his collection of manuscripts, and his support of Swift, e.g. in his campaign against "Wood's halfpence". Another Protestant, Rev. Robert King (1815-1900) was a distinguished Irish language scholar. He was from County Cork, as were the Kings (Earls of Kingston) who were prominent members of the Anglo-Irish ascendancy. On the other hand Rev. Paul King (d. 1665) was a noted Irish Franciscan. For King as the anglicized form of several Gaelic patronymics, see sub Conroy supra.