Beatrice of Carnew Castle

Read the biography of  Beatrice Woodhouse (born Dowse) who lived for many years in Carnew Castle,  Co. Wicklow. It is based on letters dating from 1891, when Beatrice was sent back to Ireland from Canada at four years of age, to live with her grandparents Rev. Henry Neville and Emma Sarah Kilbride of Kilninor Glebe, Co. Wexford, until Beatrice’s death in 1964 in Dublin.

Rev. Kilbride was the rector of Kilpipe Church, Co. Wicklow 1877-1911. Beatrice also spent much of her life with her aunt and uncle, Richard Morton and Edie Dowse, first at Umrigar House then at The Castle, Carnew. Beatrice inherited the Castle in 1927 and lived there with her husband, Hugh Woodhouse, until after the war.

This biography is a rich archive, documenting life and times in Wicklow in the early part of the 20th century as told through one person's life experiences. The chapters below have been  compiled by Alana Stephens of British Columbia, Canada, grand niece of Beatrice. We are indebted to Alana for getting in touch with Our Wicklow Heritage and for sharing this most fascinating aspect of her family's archive.

**We are compiling the chapters, 9 in total and will publish one a week starting 5/10/18. Enjoy**