This talk by Daniel Eglington-Carey was one of four lectures in the History at the Library Day series on 5th October, Fingal Festival of History 2024.
‘Ancient Pile Undergoes Improvement: a period of change for Howth Castle at the opening of the 20th century’
Howth Castle in North County Dublin was the home of the St. Lawrence family as Lords and Earls of Howth from the 1230s until 1909. William St. Lawrence, 4th Earl of Howth, died without issue in 1909 extinguishing the family lines and titles and his castle had not been afforded attention for many decades. His successor, Julian Gaisford-St. Lawrence, set about restoring and expanding the castle through the guidance of Edwin Lutyens, dragging the antiquated castle from dilapidation into the modern age. The transfer of ownership occurred during formative years in Irish history as the years of land agitation ended and the country was on the brink of war and revolution. Daniel's talk will examine the position of Howth Castle during this time.
Daniel Eglington-Carey is a postgraduate from Maynooth University and is currently the Historian in Residence at Howth Castle. He has presented a number of talks on the history of Howth Castle and the part it played in the life of those living on the Howth Peninsula.