Catalogue description Diaries of Lady Rose Molyneux (1870 - 1905)

The diaries listed here were written when she was aged sixteen, eighteen and nineteen respectively. The entries make many references to lessons, shopping, visits, balls, trips abroad, visitors and to members of her family, especially to her older and only sister "Gem" (Lady Gertrude Eleanor Molyneux).

Lady Rose Molyneux, born on 9th February 1870, was the second daughter of William 4th Earl of Sefton. According to an obituary notice in the Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury, 31st July 1905 (in Liverpool Obituary Notices, 1905, Vol. 23, p. 166, Eq 330) she took a great interest in the welfare of the people of Abbeystead "... amongst whom she had lived almost continuously since the death of her father ..." Her father died in June 1897 and "... the Abbeystead property devolved upon Lady Rose Molyneux and amongst the people of that romantic fell country her ladyship felt herself very much at home ..." At the Abbeystead house she entertained parties for the shooting season. She was also very much interested in the local children and their education and "... her efforts in this and other directions were very much appreciated ..." She was ill for some time before her death and so was "... prevented from taking the active interest she formerly did in the welfare of the people of Abbeystead ..." She died at Abbeystead on Saturday 29th July 1905 aged thirty five years. Her funeral service was held on 1st August at St. Chad's, Kirkby (see St. Chad's Burial Register, 1892 - 1917, 283 KIR 4/4).