HERMIONE, DUCHESS OF LEINSTER (1864-1895) Those who knew the Duchess of Leinster best had probably envisioned an early demise. Before she moved to County Kildare in 1884, she was regarded as one of the most beautiful women in Western Europe. But in the ensuing decade,...
The dramatic story of one of the most powerful families in Irish history - their early years as French-speaking adventurers, their rise to being a vital cog in the running of the Irish colony, their rebellions against the kings of England and their stunning decline...
Descended from a Presbyterian minister whose son struck gold in banking and linen, the family lived at Straffan House on the banks of the Liffey during the 18th century, as well as nearby Lodge Park. A high-profile marriage to the Earl of Milltown’s daughter gave them...