The Landed Gentry and Aristocracy of Co. Wicklow 2005: Vol. 1 Book

Turtle Bunbury's second book brings his readers on a journey into the past, tracking nine of Co. Wicklow's prominent landowning families as far back as he can possibly go ... and then bringing them right up to date. Thus the Brabazon family, Earls of Meath, begin with a Belgian mercenary at the battle of Hastings in 1066 and gallop through the centuries to the 21st century. The Earls of Wicklow astonish British society by their continuing dalliance with the Catholic faith. The Wingfields of Powerscourt build arguably the most impressive Palladian mansion in Ireland and sired the mother of Sarah, Duchess of York. The Tighes of Rossanagh join hands with the Brontes and Percy Bysshe Shelly but run foul of Jonathan Swift. The Barton family of Glendalough establish vineyards in France and give birth to Erskine Childers, the brilliant writer who became de Valera's Minister of Propaganda during the Irish Civil War and whose son, also Erskine, was President of Ireland. General Dennis of Fortgranite commands the artillery at El Alamein while Captain William Hume of Humewood plays a vital role in the daring escape of the 1798 rebel, Michael O'Dwyer. A handsome, beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully designed hardback, The Landed Gentry & Aristocracy of County Wicklow (Volume 1) was singled out for special recommendation by Eason's Bookshops in 2006 following a series of glowing reviews from customers.Read More