Christiana Hely-Hutchinson, 1st Baroness Donoughmore facts for kids
Christiana Hely-Hutchinson was an important woman in Irish history. She was born around 1732 and passed away in 1788. She became a noblewoman, known as a Baroness, all on her own. This was quite special for a woman at that time. Her family line is still important today, as she is an ancestor of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent.
Contents
Who Was Christiana Hely-Hutchinson?
Christiana Hely-Hutchinson was a unique figure. She held a noble title in her own right, meaning she didn't get it from her husband. This is called a suo jure hereditary peerage. It meant the title could be passed down in her family.
Early Life and Family
Christiana Nickson was born in Aghold, Ireland, and was baptized on February 23, 1732. Her father was Abraham Nickson from County Wicklow. She also inherited wealth from her great-uncle, Richard Hutchinson. This made her quite a wealthy young woman.
Marriage and New Name
On June 8, 1751, Christiana married John Hely-Hutchinson. He was a politician and a Member of Parliament (MP). Because Christiana had a lot of money and land, her husband added "Hutchinson" to his last name. This was to show the importance of her family's wealth and connections.
Her Children
Christiana and John Hely-Hutchinson had ten children together. Many of them grew up to be important people in their own right.
- Richard Hely-Hutchinson (born 1756) later became the 1st Earl of Donoughmore.
- John Hely-Hutchinson (born 1757) became a General and the 2nd Earl of Donoughmore.
- Francis Hely-Hutchinson (born 1759) worked as a Collector of Customs in Dublin.
- Augustus Abraham Hely-Hutchinson (born 1766) was also a Commissioner of Customs.
- Christopher Hely-Hutchinson (born 1767) served as a Member of Parliament for Cork.
- Lorenzo Hely-Hutchinson (born 1768) became a church leader.
- Prudence Hely Hutchinson (born around 1764) remained unmarried.
- Mary Hely Hutchinson (born around 1772) married Thomas Smith and had children.
- Margaret Hely Hutchinson (born around 1774) remained unmarried.
- Christiana Hely Hutchinson (died 1825) also remained unmarried.
Becoming a Baroness
Even though her husband was a powerful politician, he didn't want a noble title for himself. So, on September 20, 1783, King George III decided to give Christiana a title in her own name. She became Baroness Donoughmore, of Knocklofty, in County Tipperary. This was a title in the Peerage of Ireland.
However, because she was a woman, she was not allowed to sit in the Irish House of Lords. This was the parliament where noble people made laws. Even so, her title was very important and could be passed down to her children.
