In the rarely opened south transept of Cloyne Cathedral, County Cork the end wall is dominated by this splendid early 18th century monument to members of the Longfield family, the first listed John Longfield having acquired a nearby estate and named it Castle Mary, perhaps in honour of his heiress wife, Mary Hawnby of Mallow. Successive generations are listed, the first (and last) Viscount Longueville being the grandson of John and Mary Longfield: note how the word ‘respected’ had to be tucked into the available space. On Lord Longueville’s his death without an heir, Castle Mary was inherited by a cousin, Colonel Mountifort Longfield. The house was burnt by the IRA in 1920, so this is now the best-preserved memorial to the family.
Fascinating snippet. Another Longfield house – Kilcolman House, Bandon – was also burnt in 1921 by the IRA. Three other ex-Longfield houses remain in Co. Cork however: Longueville, Waterloo, and the beautiful Sea Court.
Thank you for this: I have replied to your Facebook message…
Most interesting Longfield family history. Additionally the house at Seafield Cobh (Queenstown) was occupied by Colonel John Powell Longfield from where he managed his estates – see http://www.corkarchives.ie/media/SM811web.pdf
Submitted by Eoghan Allen, Seafield, Cobh
Thank you for that: it is always helpful to gather additional information, so much appreciated.
Yes, a fascinating snippet!