Stories from Old Newspapers

 Waterford Standard 20 March 1901

Death of Mr. Ambrose Congreve D.L.

It is with regret we chronicle in our issue of today the death of the above-named gentleman, which occurred at his residence, Mount Congreve, on Friday last. Although ailing for some time past, and his death being thus quite expected, it will, nevertheless, come as a surprise to many of the leading families in the county. The name of Congreve has been associated with the annals of Waterford for the past couple of centuries, and we understand that they were a branch of the family to which the celebrated dramatist of the same name belonged. The deceased was a great athlete in his youth, and served as a Lieutenant in the 2nd Life Guards, being considered one of the finest men in his day in the British Army. The Earl of Listowel was one of his intimate companions, and during his military service he often played a racquet with the Prince of Wales…He was the possessor of ample estates both in Waterford and Kilkenny, and the family residence at Mount Congreve, is, as all our readers are aware, one of the most picturesque spots on the river Suir. In the early part of the last century the family took an active interest in the civic and social affairs of the city, spending a considerable portion of the year in their town house in John Street (now Messrs Thomas Walsh & Sons, furniture warehouse). During his illness he was attended by Dr Jackman of this city.

The deceased was born on the 13 March, 1832, was a son of the late Mr John Congreve, and the Hon. Louisa Congreve, was a daughter of the then Lord Clonbrock, of Ahascragh, Co Galway. He married in the year 1866, the Hon. Alice Dillon, who predeceased him. The latter was the daughter of the late Lord Clonbrock, the father of the present peer. There were six children of the marriage, of whom, a daughter, died a few years ago. Capt John Congreve, Eldest son and heir of the late Ambrose Congreve is at present in South Africa attached to the Border Regiment, the other children are Ambrose, Leopold, and two daughters, Ellen and Violet. He leaves three sisters, namely – Miss Augusta Congreve, Miss Louisa Congreve, and the Baroness Von Oesterreicher, who resides on the Continent. The funeral will leave Mount Congreve today for Kilmeaden, where the remains will be interred.       

 

Entrance Facade Mt. Congreve