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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.