The Marquess and Marchioness of Ormond

The world of jewellery is vast, and it can be difficult to know which pieces are special. One of the benefits of auctions is the specialists who meticulously pick out items that otherwise might be ignored. It’s easy for pieces with social and historical significance to slip through the cracks, such as these two fobs. Unassuming, though clearly beautiful pieces of craftsmanship, if it wasn’t for the trained eye, they may be written off. But on closer inspection, they hold an extraordinary secret. They once belonged to the Marquess and Marchioness of Ormond.

The Marquess and Marchioness of Ormond

Lot 552 – This seal belonged to Lady Elizabeth Harriet Grosvenor (1856 – 1928). Her father, Hugh Lupus Grosvenor, inherited the title of 3rd Marquess Grosvenor in 1869 and later became the 1st Duke of Westminster in 1874. At the time, he was widely regarded as England’s wealthiest man. The coronet featured on the seal suggests that it was commissioned and intended for use before Lady Elizabeth’s marriage to the 3rd Marquess of Ormond James Butler in 1876, as well as before her father’s elevation to Duke in 1874. As a result, it can be inferred that the seal was created between 1869 and 1874.

Lot 553 – This fob shows the heraldic arms of James Edward William Theobald Butler (1844-1919), who held the title 21st Earl of Ossory until 1854. Later he assumed the position of the 3rd Marquess of Ormond, both within the realm of the Peerage of Ireland. Alongside his arms, it features those of his spouse, Lady Elizabeth Harriet Grosvenor (1856-1928), with whom he married in 1876. The 3rd Marquess marked the conclusion of his family’s legacy at Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. Recognised as prominent figures in high society, they held a residence at 32 Upper Brook Street, London. Interestingly, there is no crest on this fob, suggesting it may have been made for a woman’s use.

Royalty at Kilkenny Castle

The Marquess and Marchioness had strong links to the British Royal Family. Lady Elizabeth’s grandmother – Harriet, was a favourite of Queen Victoria. She was Duchess of Sutherland and she served as Mistress of the Robes several times. Furthermore, Elizabeth’s sister married the brother of Queen Mary.

On James Butler’s side of the family, his mother – the previous Marchioness of Ormond, had been lady-in-waiting to Queen Adelaide. His sister, Lady Mary Butler was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Princess Louise and also served as Lady of the Bedchamber and Extra Lady in Waiting to The Duchess of Edinburgh.

This relationship that the Marquess and Marchioness shared with the Royal Family is well-recorded. In anticipation of the wedding of their daughter – Lady Beatrice Butler, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra hosted the Butlers and Beatrice a selection of gifts including a pair of diamond wings, an Indian shawl, as well as a blue enamel brooch. She also received gifts from extended members of the family.

As mentioned, James Edward William Theobald Butler the 3rd Marquess of Ormond, was the last Marquess of Ormond to live at Kilkenny Castle. it was here that, along with his wife, he entertained King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra for three days as part of their eight-day tour in Ireland. It wasn’t for over a hundred years before a member of the Royal Family would return to Kilkenny, with the then Prince Charles and Princess Camilla who visited in 2017.

The Fobs of The Marquess and Marchioness of Ormond at Auction

Find what you’re looking for

Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more.

Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.