Mary Countess of Cork
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Mary Countess of Cork
MARY MONCKTON, countess of CORK & ORRERY blue-stocking and kleptomaniac, wife of the seventh earl Date: 1746 - 1840
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Media ID 14300206
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1746 1840 Cork Countess Monckton Orrery Seventh Stocking
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this striking 18th-century portrait, Mary Monckton, Countess of Cork and Orrery, is depicted in the height of fashionable attire, her blue satin gown adorned with intricate lace and a matching shawl draped over her shoulders. The Countess, born in 1746, was the wife of the seventh Earl of Cork and Orrery, Thomas Monckton, 7th Earl of Cork (1724-1794). Mary Monckton was known for her intelligence and wit, earning her the label of a "blue-stocking," a term used to describe educated women of the time. However, her reputation was not entirely positive, as she was also rumored to be a kleptomaniac. Reports suggest that she had a habit of stealing small items, such as ribbons and trinkets, from shops and homes, often going unnoticed due to her aristocratic status and refined appearance. Despite these rumors, the Countess continued to lead a prominent social life in London and Dublin, attending lavish balls, dinners, and other high-society events. Her husband, Thomas Monckton, was a prominent figure in British politics, serving as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and a Privy Counsellor. Together, they hosted numerous grand gatherings at their estates in County Cork and County Kildare. This portrait, likely taken around the late 18th century, captures the Countess's elegant and sophisticated demeanor, despite the whispers that followed her. The intricate detailing of her gown and the delicate lace on her shawl reflect the opulence and extravagance of the time, while her piercing gaze hints at the intelligence and wit that lay beneath her refined exterior. The Countess of Cork and Orrery's life serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions of the 18th-century aristocracy, where wealth, power, and scandal often intertwined. Her story continues to intrigue historians and enthusiasts of the period, offering a glimpse into the lives of the blue-blooded elite of the time.
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