I’ve been researching Powerscourt for quite a a while. No mater where I search, trying to find our exactly where the “Family Burial Plot” is, no one mentions it. Most of my search is hampered by info on the “Pet Cemetary” I am keen to find out more about, and potential access to the graves of Richard Wingfield 5th. and his two wives. Lady Jocelyn and Lady Theodosia Anne Howard. Tragically, all of these people and many of their relatives died early deaths. I was baffled by that for a long time, until I discovered the cause was consumption, or TB, as we call it today.
The graveyard is near the house, but access is restricted. They were an unhappy three. Theodosia Jocelyn died after a long illness just a few years after her marriage in 1814. Diaries of her sister recount the tale of going to Madeira for her health, but to no avail. It is a long and upsetting read. Richard re-married Theodosia Howard, but he died the following year. The three were heavily involved in the evangelical Christian movement in the early nineteenth century, and from diaries, seemed to feel it was their lot to live an unhappy life.
Thanks for your swift reply. Theodosia Anne also took Richard to Madeira, in an attempt to nurse him back to health. This also, was to no avail. I can only imagine, how winters spent in the old house was detrimental to their health, especially having contracted TB. And of course, many others of those extended families would meet the same fate.
Could you tell me where I could find access to her sisters diary.
I tried to look down on the Powerscourt house from Google Earth, but so far, I can not make out the exact location of the Graveyard. And while the history of Powerscourt is so very interesting, the story of this family is to me, so very captivating.
Anne’s diaries are type-written transcripts and are in the Manuscripts department of the National Library. They are tough going, generally a tale of woe! The call number is MS 18,430. I have seen it suggested that the earlier years are in fact Theodosia herself. Her health declined over a long time. Near the time of her death, Anne records that “Dodea” says to her:
“Oh, I was only saying oh that I could lay this wretched body down and be at rest in Jesus’ bosom”.
This was Fri 5th May, 1820. She died later that month.
The graveyard is completely secluded by trees on Google maps, but this is the location: http://goo.gl/maps/bfXOZ
I’ve been researching Powerscourt for quite a a while. No mater where I search, trying to find our exactly where the “Family Burial Plot” is, no one mentions it. Most of my search is hampered by info on the “Pet Cemetary” I am keen to find out more about, and potential access to the graves of Richard Wingfield 5th. and his two wives. Lady Jocelyn and Lady Theodosia Anne Howard. Tragically, all of these people and many of their relatives died early deaths. I was baffled by that for a long time, until I discovered the cause was consumption, or TB, as we call it today.
Dear Ralph,
The graveyard is near the house, but access is restricted. They were an unhappy three. Theodosia Jocelyn died after a long illness just a few years after her marriage in 1814. Diaries of her sister recount the tale of going to Madeira for her health, but to no avail. It is a long and upsetting read. Richard re-married Theodosia Howard, but he died the following year. The three were heavily involved in the evangelical Christian movement in the early nineteenth century, and from diaries, seemed to feel it was their lot to live an unhappy life.
Michael
Hello Michael
Thanks for your swift reply. Theodosia Anne also took Richard to Madeira, in an attempt to nurse him back to health. This also, was to no avail. I can only imagine, how winters spent in the old house was detrimental to their health, especially having contracted TB. And of course, many others of those extended families would meet the same fate.
Could you tell me where I could find access to her sisters diary.
I tried to look down on the Powerscourt house from Google Earth, but so far, I can not make out the exact location of the Graveyard. And while the history of Powerscourt is so very interesting, the story of this family is to me, so very captivating.
Regards
Ralph
Hi again Ralph,
Anne’s diaries are type-written transcripts and are in the Manuscripts department of the National Library. They are tough going, generally a tale of woe! The call number is MS 18,430. I have seen it suggested that the earlier years are in fact Theodosia herself. Her health declined over a long time. Near the time of her death, Anne records that “Dodea” says to her:
“Oh, I was only saying oh that I could lay this wretched body down and be at rest in Jesus’ bosom”.
This was Fri 5th May, 1820. She died later that month.
The graveyard is completely secluded by trees on Google maps, but this is the location: http://goo.gl/maps/bfXOZ
My email is enniskerrylocalhistory@gmail.com if you want to continue the conversation there!
Michael