Katherine Plunket facts for kids

Katherine Plunket (born as Catherine Plunket; 22 November 1820 – 14 October 1932) was an Anglo-Irish aristocrat and talented artist. She was known for her beautiful botanical illustrations and paintings. Katherine lived to be 111 years and 327 days old, making her the oldest person ever born and to die in Ireland. She was also the fourth oldest Irish person in history.

About Katherine Plunket's Life

Katherine Plunket was born in Kilsaran, near Castlebellingham in County Louth, Ireland. At that time, Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. She was the oldest of six children.

Her grandfather was William Plunket, 1st Baron Plunket, who held an important legal position as Lord High Chancellor of Ireland. Her father, Thomas Plunket, 2nd Baron Plunket, was a clergyman in the Church of Ireland. He later became a Bishop, which is a senior leader in the church.

Her Family and Home

Katherine's mother was Louisa Jane Foster. Her family was connected to other important Irish families, including the Earl of Clermont. Katherine was baptized as Catherine, but she always spelled her name with a "K."

Katherine inherited one of her family's old homes, Ballymascanlon House, near Dundalk. She took care of the house and its gardens for many years. When she was 102, she got bronchitis, which was her only serious health issue. Today, Ballymascanlon House is a hotel.

Katherine's Botanical Artworks

Katherine Plunket was a very talented artist, especially known for her botanical illustrations. These are detailed drawings or paintings of plants. She often traveled with her younger sisters, Gertrude and Frederica.

Traveling and Sketching Flowers

Katherine and her sister Frederica visited many places in Europe, including France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. They also sketched flowers in Ireland. They created many beautiful drawings of different plants they saw.

Wild Flowers from Nature

All their flower sketches were put together into a special book called Wild Flowers from Nature. In 1903, this book was given to the Royal College of Science. Later, it was moved to the Museum of Science and Art. Today, Katherine's amazing artwork can be found at the Irish National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin.

Illustrations of Aconitum from Wild Flowers from Nature

Another illustration from Wild Flowers from Nature

Katherine's Amazing Longevity Record

Katherine Plunket lived for an incredibly long time. She was recognized as the oldest living person in the world after another person, Delina Filkins, passed away in 1928. At that time, Katherine was 108 years old.

A Telegram from the King

When Katherine turned 109, she received a special telegram from King George V. This was a big honor! At the time of her death, she was the longest-lived Irish person ever. She also lived longer than anyone who had died in the United Kingdom up to that point.

Meeting Sir Walter Scott

Katherine Plunket was also the last person alive who had met the famous author Sir Walter Scott. She met him when she was visiting her grandfather's house in Bray, County Wicklow.

Guinness World Records

Katherine Plunket was even included in the very first Guinness World Records book, which was published in 1955. She is one of the few people listed in that first book for extreme old age whose record is still considered accurate today.

Katherine believed her long life was due to her calm and carefree lifestyle. She passed away on 14 October 1932, just about a month before her 112th birthday. Her death was reported in many newspapers in Ireland and England. King George V also sent his condolences to her family.

See also

• List of the oldest people by country
• Oldest people

In Spanish: Katherine Plunket para niños