THE CHRISTENING ROBES OF JOHN BLIGH 4TH EARL OF DARNLEY (born June 30 1767) A very rare and complete satin and silk embroidered suite, comprising a robe with lace trim and foliage borders; a...
THE CHRISTENING ROBES OF JOHN BLIGH 4TH EARL OF DARNLEY (born June 30 1767) A very rare and complete satin and silk embroidered suite, comprising a robe with lace trim and foliage borders; a pillow with tasselled corners; a quilt with similar borders; a cover; a canopy with ties; a lace bonnet with lining and a pair of other bonnets in Brussels lace John Bligh, b.1767 was one of the 'miraculous' children of the 3rd Earl of Darnley, who was M.P. for Athboy and a confirmed bachelor nearing 50. He surprised Dublin society by marrying Mary Stoyte, an heiress from Streete, Co. Westmeath. The 3rd Earl took seriously his conviction that he was in reality a teapot. In spite of his concerns that his spout could break-off in the night he fathered seven children. The 4th Earl, for whom these robes were made, had milder illusions, in that he claimed to be The Duke of Lennox. He married Elizabeth Brownlow of Lurgan (see seal)