Alice Howard, 1st Countess of Wicklow facts for kids
Alice Howard, 1st Countess of Wicklow (died 7 March 1807), originally named Alice Forward, was an important noblewoman from Ireland. She held a special title called a "peeress."
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Who Was Alice Howard?
Alice Howard was born Alice Forward. We don't know exactly when she was born. Her father was William Forward, who owned a place called Castle Forward in County Donegal, Ireland. Her mother was Isabella Stewart. Alice was their only child, which meant she would inherit her family's property and wealth.
Her Family and Marriage
On 11 August 1755, Alice married a man named Ralph Howard. He was a politician, which means he was involved in the government and making laws. Ralph Howard later received special titles himself. He became a Baron Clonmore and then a Viscount Wicklow. These were titles of nobility, given by the King. Alice's husband, Ralph, passed away in 1789.
Becoming a Countess
Alice Howard received her own special title on 5 December 1793. She was made the Countess of Wicklow in the Peerage of Ireland. This meant she was a noblewoman of high rank in Ireland. The title was given to her by King George III. It was also decided that after she passed away, the title would go to her sons. When Alice died on 7 March 1807, her oldest son, Robert Howard, became the next Earl of Wicklow. He had already inherited his father's titles.
What is a Peeress?
A "peeress" is a woman who holds a title of nobility, like a Countess, in her own right or through her husband. In Alice Howard's time, these titles were very important. They showed a person's high social status and often came with land and influence. The "Peerage of Ireland" was a system of noble titles specific to Ireland. People with these titles were part of the country's ruling class.
See Also
- Earls of Wicklow
- Howard family (Anglo-Irish aristocracy)
