The State Dining Room
This was the formal dining room in the 1860’s. Historic evidence shows that this room was hung in the late 19th century with a red flock paper when it was a billiard room. The strong blue on the walls echoes the colour in the original 19th century-stained glass windows and provides a backdrop for the Langrishe family portraits, which originated in Knocktopher Abbey, Kilkenny, and are now in the care of the State. Most large estate houses would have had both a formal and informal Dining Room. The collection of silverware contains some pieces from the original 18th century collection, purchased by Walter Butler, the 18th Earl after his marriage to the wealthy heiress Anna Maria Price Clarke.
Highlights
Sideboard
This Sheraton style mahogany sideboard has a large centre drawer flanked by two cupboards one of which hold 12 wine bottles. There is a hidden drawer underneath the centre drawer.
Dishes Cover
A pair of Meat Dish Covers, Old Sheffield Plate c. 1840. Shell, leaf and gadroon borders, the covers are engraved to one side with a coat of arms.
A set of three 19th century oval SP dish covers, each with the Ormonde Crest, and surmounted with a rope cast handle.
The Paintings
The paintings on display are part of a generous bequest to Kilkenny Castle from Lady Grania Langrishe in July of 2012.
The Langrishe Baronetcy of Knocktopher Abbey in the County of Kilkenny is a title in the Baronetage of Ireland. It was created on 19 February 1777 for Sir Hercules Langrishe, who represented Knocktopher in the Irish House of Commons. The Langrishe family were part the social world of the Butlers. They were present at many social occasions in Kilkenny Castle including the Royal Visits to the Castle.
The family seat from 1679 to 1981 was Knocktopher Abbey, County Kilkenny.
Right Hon. Sir Hercules Langrishe (1731-1811)
1st Baronet Knocktopher
Artist: unknown
MP for Knocktopher for 40 years until the Act of union in 1801. It is said he bought up lands in Knocktopher and leased it to Catholic residents. He was created 1st Baronet in 1777. Best remembered for his pro Catholic Relief stance and his exchange of views with his friend Edmund Burke. He introduced the Catholic Relief Bill in 1792 and The Catholic Enfranchisement Act which passed in 1793.
Sir James Langrishe (1832-1905)
4th Baronet Knocktopher
Artist: unknown
Wearing a dark green suit and tie with a white shirt against a dark brown background. Some paint loss. Married twice and was a Lt. Col. In the army and High Sheriff of Kilkenny 1866. Succeeded by his son Herky Langrishe as 5th Baronet.
Kilkenny Hunt
Artist: unknown
Group portrait of four men and a lady on horseback with hounds in the foreground. The central figure is Herky Langrishe KKC.00603 and the lady his wife. Lady Grania Langrishe informed us that when a member of the hunt died new heads were painted over the old.
Sir Robert Langrishe (1756–1835)
2nd Baronet Knockopher
Artist: unknown
He succeeded his father to the title. MP for Knocktopher 1783-1796, he graduated as a barrister from Kings Inn and both father and son sat in Parliament at the same time. He was heavily involved in the theatre and was Revenue Commissioner in 1796.
Rev. Sir Hercules Richard Langrishe (1782-1862)
3rd Baronet Knocktopher
Artist: unknown
He entered the church and became 3rd Barnonet on the death of his father. He was the maternal grandfather of Charlotte Wheeler Cuffe (nee Williams) the notable botanical artist of the early 20th century who’s collection of paintings are now in the Library of the National Botanic Gardens.
Hercules Ralph Langrishe (1888-1917)
Artist: unknown
2nd Lieutenant Montgomery shire Yeomanry attached to Royal Flying Corps, eldest son of the 5th Baronet, he was killed while flying on duty in 1917 aged 27 years
Unknown gentleman
Artist: unknown
Oil portrait of an unknown gentleman possibly Sir Robert Langrishe 2nd Baronet.
Unknown gentleman
Artist: unknown
Portrait of an unknown gentleman perhaps John Langrishe (1660-1735), the first of the family to arrive in Knocktopher, father of Robert.
Robert Langrishe (1696-1769)
Artist: unknown
Possible later copy of a 17th century portrait of Robert Langrishe. He held the office of High Sheriff in 1740 and completed the outright purchase of the fee simple of the Knocktopher lands of over 800 acres in 1757 according to William Nolan and Kevin Phelan in Kilkenny, History and Society 1990. His son Hercules was to become first Baronet of Knocktopher.
Sir Hercules Langrishe (1859–1943)
5th Baronet Knocktopher
Artist: unknown
He gained the rank of Captain in the service of the Army Motor Reserve, of Captain and Honorary Major in the service of the 3rd Battalion, Oxfordshire Light Infantry and of Temporary Commander in the service of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He fought in the First World War, in the Mediterranean and Russia. He succeeded to the title of 5th Baronet on 20 August 1910. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for County Kilkenny, of High Sheriff of County Kilkenny and the office of Deputy Lieutenant of County Kilkenny.