Real memorial obituaries – Combe Down, Monkton Combe, Midford

In memoriam et celebrationem

In memorial and celebration

DEATH OF THE MARCHESA DI SANT AGATACONOLLY.

The death occurred at Midford Castle on Thursday of the widow of Mr. Charles John Thomas Conolly, who for many years lived at the Castle.

The deceased lady in her own right was the Marchesa di Santa Agata, being only daughter of the late Prince de Ruffapo, Chamberlain to Ferdmand, King of Naples, by Margaret daughter of Gulielmo, Baron Dotto de Dauli.

She married in 1840 the late Mr. Conolly, who was a descendant of the Conollys, of Castletown, County Kildare, and who had another residence at Cottles, near Melksham.

Upon his death without issue, there was a long litigation in the Irish Courts about the possession of the Midford Estate, which was claimed by Mr. Lawless, an Irish gentleman and a relative of the deceased, but the action ended in favour of the late Monsignor Parfitt, Protonotary Apostolic, who died the owner of the property, subject to a jointure to the
Marchesa now deceased, and Midford Castle is now the property f the late Monsignor's Trustees.

The Marchesa, who was over 70 years of age, died from gout in the heart.

The remains of the late Marchesa di Sant Agata Conolly, were interred in the Roman Catholic Chapel at Midford Castle on Tuesday. At 11.30 the coffin was borne from the Castle, the procession being headed by the officiating clergy, led by Monsignor Russell.

After the coffin came Mr. Austin King, Mr. W. Nash (steward), Mr. J. H. Nash, and Mr. A. M. King.
and the other mourners, who included Mr. James Fox (London), the Rev. J. Davis, 0.8.B. (St. John's Priory. Bath), the Rev. J. Morrall, O.S.B. (Downside). Major Berkeley (Kenilworth, Leamington), Mr. E. T. Thomp son, of Wellow (Medical Attendant), the Reverend the
President of Prior Park (Dr. Strahan), the Rev. E. Bates (St. Mary's, Bath), Mr. J H. Hardman and Mrs. Hardman (Weymouth), Mrs. Joseph Day (Weston-super- Maro), Mr. J. J. Parfitt (Birmingham), Major and Mrs Edgell (Midford), Mr. P.C. Chichester (Calverleigh Court, Tiverton), Mr. Nugent Chichester, Mr. Joseph Day, and Mr. C. Thomas were unable to be
present.

After the invited mourners came the numerous servants of the Castle, including the deceased's old and faithful coachman, Mr. J. Clayton.

At the chapel door the body was met by the officiating clergy. Low Requiem Mass was sung, the celebrant being Bishop Brownlow, of Clifton, the deacon and sub-deacon being Monsignor Russell of Clifton, and Canon Hancock, of Taunton, the assistant being the Rev. Wilfrid Palmer, of Frome.

The Psalms, Miserere and De Profundis were sung, the choir being occupied by Monsignor Williams (Chaplain at Midford Castle), the Revs. Albert Williams and Ed ward Graham (Clifton), the Rev. R. Chichester (Mine bead), and Abba Hubert (Prior Park).

The body, in an elm shell, with leaden coffin, and outer case of oak. with brass furniture, was deposited in the walled grave, under the aisle of the chapel, where, in February, 1871, were placed the remains of her husband, Mr. Conolly. Close by lie the bodies of Mr. Conolly's mother and Monsignor Parfitt. On the brass plate of the coffin was the following inscription:-

LOUISA BRANCACCIO CONOLLY, MARCHESA DISANT AGATA,
Died January 26th, 1899. In her 76th year.
R.I.P.

At the church were Colonel Bingham Wright and the Rev. W. S. Samler, of Southstoke, and a large number of villagers from Midford.

Several handsome floral wreaths and crosses were
received, these coming from:

The servants at Midford Castle, in memory of a kind and beloved mistress" Mrs. Lonsdale, Midford: Edward Chichester; Basil R. T. Trevelyan; J. J. Parfitt: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Day: Major and Mrs. Rashleigh Edgell: Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Reynolds (args, Blundellsands);

Mr. James Fox: "From the Nash family, in memory of a dear kind friend"; Mrs. Hardman, and Mr. Thompson (Wellow).

The funeral arrangements were efficiently conducted. by Mr. J. Spencer Flynn, of Pierrepont-street, Bath. the carriages being supplied by Mr. J. Stuckey, York House Mews.