The second owners of Kylemore Castle

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Mitchell Henry built Kylemore Castle in Co. Galway, Ireland, after he and his wife, Margaret, fell in love with the area on their honeymoon. However, four short years after the castle was completed, Margaret died of disease in Egypt leaving him with nine children. Later, their daughter, Geraldine, died in an accident, leaving behind a baby daughter. So it’s not surprising that the castle lost some of its charm. In 1903, the castle was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester. The duchess was the daughter of wealthy American businessman, Eugene Zimmerman. Her parents did not approve of the marriage at first and the couple eloped to Paris where they married. The duke and duchess lived a lavish lifestyle financed by the duchess’ father. To the distress of the locals, to whom Margaret Henry had been a great favourite, the new owners removed large quantities of Italian and Connemara marble. The beautiful German stained-glass window in the staircase hall was also discarded. The marble arches in the main hall were replaced with oak panelling. The couple entertained a great deal but were eventually forced to sell because of gambling debts. They left Kylemore in 1914 and divorced in 1931. The photo is of the duchess, described as a ‘rebellious girl, who accepted the world as made for her’. She looks a bit imperious, doesn't she?