The 5th Duke of Leinster: Life, Family, and Legacy
The 5th Duke of Leinster was a prominent figure of the Irish nobility, born in Dublin, Ireland. He was the son of the 4th Duke of Leinster and Lady Caroline Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, who was the daughter of the 2nd Duke of Sutherland. His life was marked by the complexities of aristocratic duty, personal tragedy, and a passion for philately—the study and collection of postage stamps.
Marriage and Family Life
On January 17, 1884, the Duke married Lady Hermione Wilhelmina Duncombe in London. Lady Hermione was the daughter of the 1st Earl of Feversham. Despite their high social standing, the marriage was noted for being unhappy. Tragically, Lady Hermione passed away from tuberculosis on March 19, 1895, at the age of 30.
The couple had four children, though their family history was touched by loss and controversy:
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- An unnamed daughter, born in 1885, who died in February 1886.
- Maurice FitzGerald, who later became the 6th Duke of Leinster (1887–1922).
- Major Lord Desmond FitzGerald (1888–1916), who was killed during World War I and buried in France with the epitaph "FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH".
- Edward FitzGerald, the 7th Duke of Leinster (1892–1976), whose biological paternity was alleged to be Hugo Charteris, the 11th Earl of Wemyss.
Philatelic Legacy and Death
Beyond his title, the 5th Duke was an avid stamp collector. Upon his death from typhoid fever, he bequeathed his extensive collection to the Dublin Museum of Science and Art. The collection consisted of approximately ten thousand pieces.
Among the most notable items in the collection was the Inverted Swan, a rare philatelic error. Interestingly, the Duke only discovered that the stamp was inverted years after it had come into his possession.
Key Facts
- Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland.
- Spouse: Lady Hermione Wilhelmina Duncombe.
- Cause of Death: Typhoid fever.
- Philatelic Contribution: Donated ~10,000 stamps to the Dublin Museum of Science and Art.
- Notable Asset: The Inverted Swan stamp.
| Relation | Name | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Lady Hermione Wilhelmina Duncombe | Died of tuberculosis at age 30 |
| Son | Maurice FitzGerald | 6th Duke of Leinster |
| Son | Major Lord Desmond FitzGerald | Killed in World War I |
| Son | Edward FitzGerald | 7th Duke of Leinster |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the parents of the 5th Duke of Leinster?
He was the son of the 4th Duke of Leinster and Lady Caroline Sutherland-Leveson-Gower.
How did the 5th Duke of Leinster die?
The Duke passed away from typhoid fever.
What happened to the Duke's stamp collection?
His collection of roughly ten thousand stamps was left to the Dublin Museum of Science and Art.
What was the "Inverted Swan"?
The Inverted Swan was a rare stamp in the Duke's collection that he discovered was printed upside down years after acquiring it.
Which of his children served in World War I?
Major Lord Desmond FitzGerald served in World War I and was killed in action, later being buried in France.