Eleanor Ambrose facts for kids

Lady Eleanor Palmer (1718/20–1818), born Eleanor Ambrose, was a famous and beautiful Irish woman. She was known for her intelligence and charm. Even though she was Catholic, which was sometimes difficult in her time, she became very popular in Dublin society.

Eleanor's Early Life

Eleanor's father, Michael Ambrose, was a well-educated man. However, because he was Catholic, he was not allowed to work in some professions. Instead, he became a brewer, making and selling drinks. He became very wealthy from his brewing business. The family lived at Mount Ambrose, near Swords, County Dublin.

A Star in Dublin Society

Eleanor was described as "beautiful, witty, intellectual and a fervent patriot." This means she was smart, funny, and loved her country deeply. Despite being Catholic, she managed to become a well-known figure in Dublin's high society.

She even became a favorite at the Viceregal Court. This was the official residence of the Viceroy, who was the King's representative in Ireland. During the time of Lord Chesterfield, Eleanor and her sister Clara were the most popular socialites at the Castle.

Lord Chesterfield was very impressed by Eleanor. She often joined him at official events. People say that Eleanor's ideas influenced him greatly. He reportedly told King George II that "poverty not Popery was to be feared in Ireland." This meant he thought poverty was a bigger problem than Catholicism.

He also joked that he had found "only one dangerous papist." He said her "brightness of whose eyes and charms, and whose conversation were indeed dangerous," and her name was Eleanor Ambrose. He meant her beauty and intelligence were so striking they were almost "dangerous" in how captivating they were.

Her Marriage and Later Life

Eleanor made sure her relationship with Lord Chesterfield remained a friendship. She did not want it to become romantic.

In 1752, she married Roger Palmer. He was from Castle Lackin in County Mayo. Roger Palmer later became a baronet in 1777, which is a special title of honor. Eleanor and Roger had children together.

Eleanor passed away in 1816 at her home on Henry Street, Dublin. She was very old, around 96 or 98 years old. Right up until the end of her life, she strongly believed in fighting for the rights of her Catholic fellow-countrymen.

Legacy

Eleanor Palmer's story inspired a song. Aido Lawlor, from Rush North Co Dublin, wrote a song about her. The singer Aoife Scott recorded this song on her 2016 album, Carry the Day.

See also

• Palmer Baronets
• Mary Barber