(617) Biddulph of Rathrobin

Biddulph of Rathrobin

This family is believed to be a cadet branch of the Biddulphs of Biddulph Old Hall and Burton Park, although to my knowledge the connection has never been demonstrated. The first of the family to settle in Ireland was evidently Francis Biddulph (d. 1673), with whom the genealogy below begins. He received a grant of lands in Co. Wexford after the restoration of King Charles II, which was perhaps recognition of service abroad to the Crown during the Commonwealth. His lands in Co. Wexford passed to his eldest son, Richard, but it was his youngest son, Nicholas Biddulph (d. 1702), who in 1694 obtained a lease of Rathrobin, renewable in perpetuity, from Lord Shelburne, and who thus first brought the family to King's County (now Co. Offaly). Nicholas is said to have built a new house at Rathrobin, but this was probably no more than a gentleman farmer's house. In 1722, Nicholas' son and heir, Francis Biddulph (b. 1690) took a lease of Fortal Castle from Lord Shelburne on similar terms to the lease his father had negotiated on Rathrobin, and he seems to have made Fortal his home. Even less is known about the house at Fortal than about Rathrobin, though its name suggests Fortal may have been a medieval tower house in origin. Apart from a very long approach drive from the south, 19th century map evidence does not suggest it was more than a farmhouse. Francis Biddulph's only recorded child was Nicholas Biddulph (c.1715-62), who was married twice. By his first wife, Patience Colley, he had two daughters, who were the ultimate heirs to Fortal and Rathrobin. His second wife, Alice Scott, gave him a son, Angel Biddulph, who died young and probably in his father's lifetime. As a widow, Alice married her husband's cousin, Lt-Col. John Biddulph, but had no further issue.

It was therefore Nicholas' two daughters who inherited his estates in Co. Offaly as tenants in common. Both were married: Margaret (d. 1811) to Alexander Cornwall of Lismola (Co. Limerick) and Sarah (d. 1774) to Gifford Nesbitt of Tubberdaly (Co. Offaly), but Sarah died without issue in 1774, leaving her moiety of the estate to Margaret. Alexander Cornwall died in 1779, and the following year Margaret married again, to Thomas Bernard (c.1747-1815) of Castle Bernard (Co. Offaly), who was in control of events at Rathrobin until his wife's death. Since neither of Margaret's marriages produced any children, when she died in 1811 she bequeathed her estate to her second cousin, Elizabeth, Lady Waller (d. 1851), but this prompted a lengthy legal dispute with Francis Harrison Biddulph (1774-1827), who was a great-grandson of Nicholas Biddulph (d. 1702) and another of Margaret's second cousins. The dispute was eventually settled in 1824 when the parties agreed that Lady Waller should inherit Fortal and F.H. Biddulph should inherit Rathrobin. I have not pursued the detailed story of Fortal Castle after 1824 as I have no evidence it was much more than a farmhouse, but Lady Waller died in 1851 without surviving issue, after which Fortal passed to her nephew, Nicholas Biddulph (1803-88) and then to his son, Francis Edward Biddulph (1834-1919). The house appears to have been let throughout the 19th century, and was sold at some point in the early 20th century.

Annaghmore House, as altered c.1820

Rathrobin came in 1824 into the possession of Francis Harrison Biddulph (1774-1827), who made his home at Sandymount (Co. Dublin) and seems also to have rented Annaghmore House (Co. Offaly), which nearly adjoined Rathrobin. He probably never occupied Rathrobin, as he lived only three years after gaining undisputed possession. Instead, he improved the house at Annaghmore in about 1820, adding bow ends and new windows that gave it a more fashionable appearance. Francis Harrison Biddulph and his wife Mary Marsh had an unusually large family of fourteen children, of whom only two died young, and several of whom lived notably long lives. The eldest son, Francis Wellesley Marsh Biddulph (1802-68) inherited Rathrobin. He attended Trinity College, Dublin and became a justice of the peace. Although there does not seem to be any evidence that he was a particularly harsh landlord, in 1840 he terminated the leases of two of his tenants and later that year an attempt was made to shoot him in the road near Rathrobin. Happily he received only minor injuries and was able to give chase to his assailants. Two relatives of his ex-tenants were arrested and tried for attempted murder and they were put on trial. The first trial was inconclusive as the jury could not reach a verdict. A second trial was held at the next assizes, with the same result, after which a third trial was moved to Dublin, where the men were finally acquitted for lack of solid evidence. Biddulph was the one who suffered a penalty, for it emerged during the third trial that he had advised one of the accused men to flee justice to avoid execution. For this, he was suspended from his office as a justice of the peace, although he seems to have been restored to the role a few years later. He married in 1845, and he and his wife had four sons and two daughters, almost all of whom were still minors when he died at a relatively modest age. 

Rathrobin passed to his eldest surviving son, Lt-Col. Middleton Westenra Biddulph (1849-1926), who had just embarked on a military career when his father died, which he continued to pursue until 1895. It was only then, having left the army, that he returned to Rathrobin and, finding the house neglected and forlorn, decided to rebuild it on a larger scale. The work was financed in part through Col. Biddulph's inheritance of lands in Hampshire and Lancashire from a maternal uncle. One part of the old house was preserved, but otherwise it was completely reconstructed, with experimental cast concrete walls and stone used only for the window surrounds and architectural details. His wife, Vera Flower, was a keen gardener, and an important part of the reconstruction was creating a walled flower garden immediately adjoining the house. Col. Biddulph was an excellent amateur photographer, and his scenes of life at Rathrobin and on the wider estate have happily survived and been published. He was a generous, engaged and well-liked landlord, who co-operated with the process of selling tenanted land to the occupiers in the early 20th century, and as the agitation for Irish home rule grew in the early 20th century, he found it difficult to believe that he or his estate at Rathrobin would be targetted by revolutionary forces. By 1921, at the height of the Troubles, however, he and his wife decided they would be safer in London, and in 1923 the house at Rathrobin, protected only by a resident steward, was attacked by anti-Treaty forces and deliberately burned down, as a reprisal for executions in Dublin. Col. Biddulph died three years later, his widow did not return to Ireland, and as they had no children, the estate was sold.

Rathrobin House, Co. Offaly

Rathrobin House: the OSI 6" plan of 1838 shows the footprint of the house. 

The Down Survey of the 1650s marks Rathrobin as a 'castle habitable' and one of the 'five handsome houses' noted in the parish, and a small part of the old castle survives among the outbuildings today. The estate is said to have been acquired in 1694 by Nicholas Biddulph (d. 1702), who built a new house at Rathrobin soon afterwards, adjacent to the old castle of the Molloy family. Despite the fact that this survived - perhaps with later additions or alterations - until the 1890s, very little is known about it. The 1st edition 6" map of 1838 shows its footprint to have been fairly regular, suggesting it was a classical block with perhaps some older and less regular work at the rear, and this is confirmed by one photograph of 1879 which shows about half the entrance front. It was a two-storey building, probably of three bays, with a lower one-bay wing to the left, and was approached by a drive from the north, where a single-storey lodge built in the mid 19th century survives in a derelict condition. Griffith's Valuation of 1854 assigns a value of just £21 to the house, confirming that it was modest in scale (Annaghmore at £53 was worth more than twice as much).

Rathrobin House: entrance front as rebuilt in 1898-1900. Image: Magan-Biddulph Collection.

In the 1890s, Lt-Col. Middleton Westenra Biddulph (1849-1926) married and retired to his estate at Rathrobin, and in 1898-1900 he employed Sir Thomas Drew of Dublin to design him a new neo-Tudor mansion which was considerably larger than its predecessor. It stood on the same site and incorporated elements of the older house, including the three bays on the right of the entrance front, which continued to have Georgian-style sash windows, whereas the rest of the front was given mullioned windows with casement fittings. The new house was irregular, of two and three storeys, with gables, high-pitched roofs and pinnacles. Although a good deal of sandstone was used for the window surrounds and architectural details, the walls were cast using a pioneering mass concrete construction, disguised externally by a cement render that was lined to sugest ashlar.

Rathrobin House: watercolour of the rear of the house and flower garden by E. Crane, c.1910.

The plan was essentially L-shaped, with a flat, north-east facing, entrance front broken by a projecting single-storey Gothic porch, and a projecting cross-wing to its left that showed a blank wall to the entrance front. Round the corner to the south, however, the cross-wing had a large projecting two-storey canted bay window, which lit the principal bedroom and drawing room. The south-west facing rear of the house had irregular gables, a rather lumpen tower, and a further canted two-storey bow marking the end of the cross-wing. To complement the house, a walled flower garden was laid out on the south side of the house.

Rathrobin House: the ruins of the entrance front in 2013. Image: Mike Searle. Some rights reserved.

Colonel Biddulph had an excellent relationship with the local population and was regarded as a very considerate landlord, so that as violent agitation for Irish self-government grew in the early 20th century, he did not personally feel threatened. By 1921, however, the general level of lawlessness made a retreat with his wife to a house in Chelsea (Middx) expedient. It was perhaps because the house was unoccupied except for a steward living in one wing that on 18 April 1923 it was targetted by anti-Treaty forces and burned in reprisal for the execution of prisoners. An important library of some 3,000 books and the family picture collection were destroyed in the fire, which left the house a gutted shell. Although some parts of the structure have subsequently collapsed, much of it remains as a striking ruin, a testament to the solidity of its concrete construction.

Descent: built c.1700 for Nicholas Biddulph (d. 1702); to son, Francis Biddulph (b. 1690); to son, Nicholas Biddulph (c.1715-62); to daughters, Margaret (d. 1811), wife of Alexander Cornwall (d. 1779) and later Thomas Bernard (c.1747-1815), and Sarah (d. 1774), wife of Gifford Nesbitt (d. 1773); subject to legal dispute ended by an agreement between Elizabeth, Lady Waller (d. 1851) and Francis Harrison Biddulph (1774-1827), by which the latter obtained Rathrobin; to son, Francis Wellesley Marsh Biddulph (1802-68); to son, Lt-Col. Middleton Westenra Biddulph (1849-1926); burned 1923.

Biddulph family of Rathrobin

Byddolph, Francis (d. 1673). Parentage unknown, but reputedly a descendant of the Biddulphs of Biddulph Old Hall. He is said to have had a grant of lands at Kilpatrick (Co. Wexford) from King Charles II. He married Alice [surname unknown] and had issue:

(1) Richard Biddulph (fl. 1679); inherited the Kilpatrick lands from his father; married, 1679, Martha (who m2, Michael Jones of Droghenure (Co. Wexford)), daughter of John Vivors of Crosstown (Co. Wexford) and had issue two sons and two daughters;

(2) Thomas Biddulph (d. 1677); married, 1674, Elizabeth Raby, but had no issue; died 1677, when his nuncupative will was proved at Ferns;

(3) Nicholas Biddulph  (d. 1702) (q.v.).

He lived at Kilpatrick (Wexford).

He died in 1673. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Biddulph, Nicholas (d. 1702). Third son of Francis Byddolph (d. 1673) and his wife Alice. He married Charity [surname unknown] (d. 1753), and had issue, perhaps among others:

(1) Francis Biddulph (b. 1690) (q.v.);

(2) John Biddulph (d. 1741) (q.v.);

(3) Alice Biddulph (d. 1735?); married, 1701 (licence 29 January) Kildare Tarleton (d. 1711) of Geashill and Ballylevin (Co. Offaly), and had issue one son and three daughters; said to have died in 1735;

(4) Jane Biddulph.

He had a lease of Rathrobin, renewable for ever, from Charles Petty (c.1673-96), 1st Baron Shelburne, 25 October 1694, and built a new house on this estate soon afterwards.

He died 5 March 1702. His widow married 2nd, 1707, John Newcombe of Aghanville (Co. Offaly), and died 18 March 1753.

Biddulph, Francis (b. 1690). Elder son of Nicholas Biddulph (d. 1702) and his wife Charity, born 1690. He married, 1712 (licence 7 April), Mary, daughter of Robert Jackson of Ballymackey, Knockinglass (Co. Tipperary), and had issue:

(1) Nicholas Biddulph (c.1715-62) (q.v.).

He inherited Rathrobin from his father in 1702. In 1722 he obtained a lease of Fortal Castle (Co. Offaly), renewable for ever, from Henry Petty (1675-1751), 1st Earl of Shelburne.

He was living in 1739 but his date of death is unknown. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Biddulph, Nicholas (c.1715-62). Only recorded son of Francis Biddulph (b. 1690) and his wife Mary, daughter of Robert Jackson of Knockinglass (Co. Tipperary), born about 1715. JP for King's County; High Sheriff of King's County, 1741-42. He married 1st, 1736 (settlement 26 April), Patience, elder daughter of Thomas Colley of Killmin (Co. Offaly), and 2nd, 1754, Alice, eldest daughter of Angel Scott (d. 1755) of Cahercon, Kilfiddane (Co. Clare), and had issue:

(1.1) Margaret Biddulph (c.1740-1811) (q.v.);

(1.2) Sarah Biddulph (c.1742-74); married, 8 February 1769, Gifford Nesbitt (d. 1773) of Tubberdaly (Co. Offaly), son of Albert Nesbitt, but had no issue; died 1774 and bequeathed her moiety of the Rathrobin estates to her elder sister; will proved 23 March 1774;

(2.1) Angel Biddulph; died young.

He inherited Rathrobin and Fortal Castle from his father.

He died 11 June 1762. His first wife died before 1754. His widow married 2nd, 30 November 1769, Lt. Col. John Biddulph [for whom see below], but had no further issue; her date of death is unknown.

Biddulph, Margaret (c.1740-1811). Elder daughter of Nicholas Biddulph (c.1715-62) and his first wife, Patience, elder daughter of Thomas Colley of Killmin (Co. Offaly), born about 1740. She married 1st, 1762, Alexander Cornwall (d. 1779) of Lismola (Co. Limerick), and 2nd, 16 April 1780 at St Mary, Dublin, Thomas Bernard (c.1747-1815) of Castletown (which he renamed Castle Bernard and which is now called Kinnitty Castle) (Co. Offaly), but had no issue.

She inherited a moiety of her father's estates from him in 1762 and the other moiety from her younger sister in 1774. At her death she bequeathed her property to her second cousin, Elizabeth, Lady Waller, but this was disputed by another second cousin, Francis Harrison Biddulph (1774-1827) [for whom see below], and the ownership remained contested until an agreement between the parties in 1824.

She died 31 March 1811. Her first husband died in 1779. Her widower died at Birr (Co. Offaly), 8 May 1815; his will was proved in 1815.

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Biddulph, John (d. 1741). Younger son of Nicholas Biddulph (d. 1702) and his wife Charity, born after 1690. He was perhaps a clothier. He married, c.1725, and had issue:

(1) Francis Biddulph (1727-1806) (q.v.);

(2) John Biddulph; an officer in the army (Lt., 1746; Capt.; Maj., 1760; Lt-Col. 1763); married, 30 November 1769, Alice, daughter of Angel Scott of Cahercon, Kilfiddane (Co. Clare), and widow of Nicholas Biddulph of Fortal [for whom see above], but had no issue;

(3) Richard Biddulph; married, 1755, Prudence Toukes, but had no issue;

(4) Nicholas Biddulph (1737-99), of Glenkeen, Borrisoleigh (Co. Tipperary), born 1737; married 1st, 1759, Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Dempsey of Dublin, and had issue two sons and two daughters; married 2nd, 1776, Hannah (d. 1824), daughter of Joseph Cooke of Currangreny (Co. Tipperary), and had further issue one daughter; died 6 September 1799 and was buried at Glenkeen;

(5) Alice Biddulph.

He settled at Stradbally (Co. Leix).

He died in 1741, when his will was proved. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Biddulph, Francis (1727-1806). Elder son of John Biddulph (d. 1741) and his wife, born 21 June 1727. JP for Queen's County. He married, 14 February 1765 at St Peter, Leeds (Yorks WR), Eliza Harrison (c.1737-1827), and had issue:

(1) Eliza Biddulph (1766-1808), born 26 June 1766; married, 20 February 1788, Richard Grattan (c.1759-1839) of Drummin (Co. Kildare), and had issue four sons and four daughters; died in Dublin, July 1808;

(2) Mary Anne Biddulph (1769-1832?); born 9 July 1769; married, 27 December 1784 at Vicarstown (Co. Leix), John or William Scott of Graiguenaskerry (alias Fisherstown) (Co. Leix); probably the woman of this name buried at St Peter, Dublin, 8 September 1832;

(3) Patience Biddulph (1771-72), born March 1771; died in infancy, June 1772;

(4) Frances Margaret Sarah Biddulph (1772-75), born June 1772; died young, 1775;

(5) Patience Biddulph (1773-1859), born October 1773; married, 19 March 1801, Henry Warner (d. 1831) of Warner Castle (Co. Meath) and Dublin, and had issue two sons and four daughters; died 31 March 1859;

(6) Francis Harrison Biddulph (1774-1827) (q.v.);

(7) Nicholas John Biddulph (1778-79), born 23 August 1778; died in infancy, 1779;

(8) Harriett Biddulph (1781-1850); married, 26 January 1799, Rev. Richard Clarke JP (1777-1838), chaplain of Portarlington (Co. Leix), 1801-38 and sovereign of the borough of Portarlington, son of William Clarke, and had issue four sons and five daughters; died 20 October 1850.

He lived at Vicarstown (Co. Offaly).

He died 11 September 1806. His widow died in 1827, aged 90.

Biddulph, Francis Harrison (1774-1827). Elder and only surviving son of Francis Biddulph (1727-1806) and his wife Eliza Harrison, born 26 December 1774. Admitted an attorney, 1796; Registrar of the Court of Exchequer. After the death of his cousin, Mrs. Margaret Bernard, in 1811, he became involved in a lengthy and expensive legal battle over the succession to the Rathrobin and Fortal estates, at the end of which a compromise was reached by which he succeeded to Rathrobin, while his rival, Elizabeth, Lady Waller, received Fortal. He married, 1797 (licence 10 July) at Stradbally (Co. Leix), Mary (c.1773-1861), eldest daughter of Francis Marsh, barrister-at-law, and had issue:

(1) Anne Biddulph (b. 1798), born 15 September 1798; married 1st, September 1821 in Dublin, Capt. Simon Biddulph (1793-1823), fourth son of Sir Theophilus Biddulph, 5th bt., and had issue one daughter; married 2nd, 1827, James Moilse (1798-1830), of Dublin, solicitor; and 3rd, 1835 Robert Frederick Grahame; death not traced;

(2) Elizabeth Biddulph (1799-1893), born 10 November 1799; died unmarried aged 93 at Kingstown (Co. Dublin), 10 June 1893, and was buried in Deansgrange Cemetery (Co. Dublin);

(3) Mary Biddulph (b. & d. 1801), born 10 March 1801; died in infancy, 10 September 1801;

(4) Francis Wellesley Marsh Biddulph (1802-68) (q.v.);

(5) Mary Biddulph (1803-63), born 16 September 1803; died unmarried at Kingstown (Co. Dublin), 2 April 1863;

(6) Nicholas Marsh Biddulph (1805-99), born 20 December 1805; educated at Trinity College, Dublin (matriculated 1821); an officer in the Irish Revenue Police (insolvent debtor, 1831; dismissed for malfeasance, 1835); married, 25 September 1824 at Gretna Green, Elizabeth Maria Steele (1808-52), and had issue two sons and five daughters; died aged 93 in Dublin, 8 November 1899;

(7) Frances Biddulph (c.1808-1901); married, 14 April 1847 at St Peter, Dublin, Matthew Meredith (1810-69) of Killart, Clonaslee (Co. Leix), and had issue one daughter; died aged 92 on 2 February 1901;

(8) William Francis Biddulph (b. 1809), born 1 March 1809; died young;

(9) Harriet Biddulph (1810-93), born 8 November 1810; emigrated to America where she married, 1848, Rowland McBride, and had issue two sons and two daughters; said to have died 22 March 1893 and been buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Muskegon, Michigan (USA);

(10) Jane Biddulph (1812-1900), born 8 May 1812; emigrated to America where she married, 1845, George Priest (d. 1889) of Norfolk, and had issue seven children; settled in Canada but later moved back to Iowa (USA); died 13 January 1900 and was buried in Oakdale Memorial Gardens, Davenport (Iowa);

(11) Sarah Nesbit Biddulph (1814-88), born 11 December 1814; possibly* the person of this name who emigrated to Australia in 1855, where she married, 10 February 1856, William Day, an American miner, and had issue one son and one daughter; died 20 July and was buried at Kelso, New South Wales (Australia), 21 July 1888;

(12) Charlotte Biddulph (b. 1815), born 9 December 1815; living unmarried in Ireland in 1850;

(13) Patience Biddulph (b. 1817), born March 1817; living unmarried in Ireland in 1850;

(14) Caroline Biddulph (1819-74), born 16 May 1819; died unmarried at Kingstown, 28 May 1874.

He inherited Rathrobin from his cousin, gaining undisputed possession after an agreement in 1824, but lived chiefly at Sandymount (Co. Dublin) and Annaghmore, near Rathrobin, which he rented and altered c.1820.

He died in July 1827 and was buried at Curraclone graveyard, Stradbally; his will was proved in Dublin, 8 January 1828. His widow died aged 88 on 9 August 1861 and was buried at Carrickbrennan Cemetery, Monkstown (Co. Dublin).

* Statements of her age in Australian records imply a date of birth between 1823 and 1828, so if they do apply to her, she must have consistently mis-stated her age.

Biddulph, Francis Wellesley Marsh (1802-68). Eldest son of Francis Harrison Biddulph (1774-1827) and his wife Mary, eldest daughter of Francis Marsh, barrister-at-law, born April 1802. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin (matriculated 1821). JP for King's County (from 1836). In 1840 he was the victim of an attempted murder (receiving only minor injuries); the relatives of two tenants he had evicted were put on trial for the crime, but after two inconclusive trials were found not guilty; Biddulph admitted advising one of them to flee to escape justice, for which he was suspended from his role as a JP. He married, 2 September 1845 at St Bride, Liverpool (Lancs), Lucy (1819-96), second daughter of Robert Bickerstaffe of Preston (Lancs), and had issue:

(1) Annie Adela Waller Biddulph (1847-1926), born 25 March 1847; married 1st, 24 April 1867 at Killoughy (Co. Offaly), Capt. John Willcocks JP (1833-82) of St. Lawrence, Chapelizod (Co. Dublin), eldest son of John Willcocks, resident magistrate in King's County, and had issue two sons and three daughters; married 2nd, 5 October 1898 at St Barnabas, Dublin, as his second wife, John Ouseley Bonsall Murphy (1848-1925?) of Palmerstown (Co. Dublin), accountant, son of Charles Murphy; died at Ealing (Middx), 21 April 1926; will proved 17 November 1926 and 29 March 1933 (estate £2,683);

(2) Francis Biddulph (b. & d. 1848), born 14 August 1848; died in infancy, 31 August 1848;

(3) Lt-Col. Middleton Westenra Biddulph (1849-1926) (q.v.)

(4) Assheton Biddulph (1850-1916), born 12 October 1850; lived at Moneyguyneen House, Kinnitty (Co. Offaly); an officer in the army (Ensign, 1869; Lt., 1870; retired 1873); Master of the King's County Hunt (Ormond and King's County until 1897), 1884-1916; married, 17 June 1880 at St Mary, Warwick (Warks), Florence Caroline (1858-1942), younger daughter of Rev. Cunningham Boothby, vicar of Holwell (Oxon), and had issue one son (who was killed in the First World War) and four daughters; died in Bath (Som.) from the effects of blood poisoning, 16 January 1916; will proved 6 June 1916 (estate £19.647);

(5) Franc Digby Biddulph (later Biddulph-Colclough) (1853-95), born 22 April 1853; an officer in the 3rd Middlesex Militia (Capt., 1874); assumed name and arms of Colclough by letters patent, 1886; JP for Co. Wexford; married, 15 September 1885 at Castleknock (Co. Dublin), Louisa Maria Susanna* (1848-1912), eldest daughter of John Thomas Rossborough-Colclough, of Tintern Abbey, New Ross (Co. Wexford), and had issue one son and one daughter; he died of pneumonia, 13 July 1895; administration of goods granted 30 July 1895 (effects £121);

(6) Gertrude Louisa Biddulph (1856-1945), born 22 September 1856; married 1st, 25 February 1879, George Carpenter Anderson (1854-87) of Bolham House (Devon), and had issue one son and three daughters; married 2nd, 24 January 1893 at St Peter, Tiverton (Devon), Dr. Nevil Pottow Cadell (1860-1949), physician, and had further issue one son; died 7 November and was buried at Keymer (Sussex), 10 November 1945; will proved 6 March 1946 (estate £6,158).

He inherited Rathrobin from his father in 1827. His widow lived latterly at Clare House, Tiverton (Devon).

He died 28 March and was buried at Ballyboy (Co. Offaly), 1 April 1868; his will was proved in Dublin, 21 May 1868 (effects under £4,000). His widow died 29 August 1896; her will was proved in London, 17 January 1898 (effects £802).

* A stout woman, his wife is said to have suffered a mental breakdown after the birth of her last child, and to have been confined in a tower at Tintern Abbey, where her husband kept her on a meagre diet in the hope of reducing her weight.

Biddulph, Lt-Col. Middleton Westenra (1849-1926). Second, but eldest surviving, son of Francis Wellesley Marsh Biddulph (1802-68) and his wife Lucy, second daughter of Robert Bickerstaffe of Preston (Lancs), born 17 August 1849. Educated at the Royal School, Banagher (Co. Offaly). An officer in the army (Ensign, 1867; Lt., 1871; Capt., 1881; Maj. 1883; retired as Lt-Col., 1895); JP (from 1897) and DL (from 1910) for King's County; High Sheriff of King's County, 1901-02. He was a skilled amateur photographer, whose albums of photographs of daily life taken at his home and around the estate are an important survival and have been published in Rathrobin and the two Irelands (2021); he was also a good linguist, and spoke French, German and Hindustani. He married, 21 October 1891 at St Luke, Chelsea (Middx), Vera Josephine (1863-1938), second daughter of Sir William Henry Flower KCB DCL DSc LLD PhD FZS FRS (1831-99), director of the Natural History Museum and an eminent zoologist, but had no issue.

He inherited Rathrobin from his father in 1868 and came of age in 1870. In 1894 he inherited lands at Monks Sherborne (Hants) and Woodplumpton (Lancs) from his uncle, Lt-Col. Robert Bickerstaff, and it was presumably this access of fortune which enabled him to largely rebuild Rathrobin House in 1898-1900. In 1921 he moved to a flat in Chelsea because of the war of independence in Ireland and Rathrobin was burned by anti-Treaty forces in 1923 and not restored.

He died 10 May 1926; he was not buried in the tomb he had constructed in his lifetime in Killoughey churchyard, but cremated; his ashes were scattered in the Cotswolds; his will was proved 2 September 1926 (estate £32,749). His widow died 28 January 1938; her will was proved 14 March 1938 (estate £4,269).

Principal sources

Burke's Irish Family Records, 1976, pp. 108-11; T. Blake, Abandoned mansions of Ireland II, 2nd edn., 2017, pp. 220-25; A. Tierney, The buildings of Ireland: Central Leinster, 2019, pp. 181-82; M. Byrne, Rathrobin and the two Irelands, 2021;

https://offalyhistoryblog.com/2023/04/12/the-burning-of-the-biddulph-big-house-at-rathrobin-mountbolus-county-offaly-during-the-civil-war-18-april-1923-by-michael-byrne/

Location of archives

Biddulph of Rathrobin and Fortal: deeds and papers, 1655-1851 [Private collection; enquiries to National Library of Ireland].

Coat of arms

Biddulph of Rathrobin: Per pale, vert and azure, an eagle displayed ermine, armed and beaked or, between four trefoils slipped of the last.

Can you help?

• Does anyone have a painting or photograph of Rathrobin before it was rebuilt in 1898?
• Can anyone provide photographs or portraits of the people whose names appear in bold above, for whom no image is currently shown?
• If anyone can offer further information or corrections to any part of this article I should be most grateful. I am always particularly pleased to hear from current owners or the descendants of families associated with a property who can supply information from their own research or personal knowledge for inclusion.

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 14 November 2025.

(616) Biddulph of Ledbury Park and Rodmarton Manor, Barons Biddulph - part 2

This post has been divided into two parts. Part 1 gives an introduction to the family and describes the houses which they have owned over several centuries. This second part provides detailed genealogical information about the family.

Biddulph of Ledbury

Biddulph, Anthony (1585-1651). Fifth son of Simon Biddulph (d. 1632) of Elmhurst Hall, Lichfield (Staffs) and his wife Joyce Floyer, baptised at Lichfield (Staffs), 23 January 1584/5. Citizen and haberdasher of London, and a member of the Company of Merchant Adventurers and East India Company. He supported the parliamentary side in the Civil War and was a member of the Committee of Accounts of the Kingdom, 1644. Alderman of the City of London, July 1651, but died soon afterwards. He married, c.1616, Elizabeth (b. 1599), daughter of Robert Palmer, alderman of London, and had issue including:

(1) Elizabeth Biddulph (c.1617-90), born about 1617; married 1st, Henry Crisp (d. 1654), citizen and haberdasher of London, and had issue three sons and two daughters; married 2nd, Alderman Sir James Edwards (d. 1691), grocer, Lord Mayor of London in 1678-79, son of John Edwards of Garton (Yorks), yeoman, and had issue one daughter; buried at St Michael Bassishaw, London, 23 December 1690;

(2) Robert Biddulph (c.1618-78) (q.v.);

(3) Joyce Biddulph (b. c.1619), born about 1619; married, 1642 (licence 16 January), Richard Wynn (d. 1688), and had issue seven sons and one daughter; living in 1651 but evidently died in or before 1687 as she is not mentioned in her husband's will written in that year;

(4) Michael Biddulph (fl. 1661), born about 1620; married, 19 July 1655 at Sibson (Leics), Frances Kingston; living in 1661;

(5) Mary Biddulph (b. 1621), baptised at St Alban, Wood St., London, 23 October 1621; married, 1st, by 1646, Richard Burren (1616-56), son of Richard Burren of Reading (Berks), and had issue two sons and one daughter; married 2nd, as his second wife, Alderman Sir Richard Chiverton (1616-79), kt., Lord Mayor of London, 1657-58; death not traced;

(6) Sarah Biddulph (d. 1660?); married, 1654, as his second wife, Sir John Musters (1624-89), kt., (who m3, before 1664, Jane Basset (c.1640-91) and had further issue one son) of London and Colwick Hall (Notts), and had issue one son; probably the woman of this name buried in the chancel at Hornsey (Middx), 14 August 1660.

He lived in London.

He died in September or October 1651; his will was proved 28 October 1651. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Biddulph, Robert (c.1618-78). Elder son of Anthony Biddulph (1585-1651) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Palmer, alderman of London, born c.1618. Citizen and merchant of London. He married, 3 August 1652 at Stoke Newington (Middx), Mary (1631-86?), daughter of Abraham Cullen of London, merchant, and sister of Sir Abraham Cullen (c.1624-68), 1st bt., of East Sheen (Surrey), MP for Evesham, 1661-68, and had issue including:

(1) Mary Biddulph (1655-64), baptised at St Alban, Wood St., London, 29 May 1655; died young and was buried at St Alban, Wood St., London, 30 December 1664;

(2) William Biddulph (b. 1657), baptised at St Alban, Wood St., London, 13 November 1657; died young;

(3) Anthony Biddulph (1659-1718) (q.v.);

(4) Elizabeth Biddulph (1660-64), born 5 November and baptised at St Alban, Wood St., London, 20 November 1660; died young and was buried at St Alban, Wood St., London, 30 May 1664;

(5) Robert Biddulph (d. 1663); died young and was buried at St Alban, Wood St., London, 13 June 1663;

(6) Jane Biddulph (1662-1715?), baptised at St Alban, Wood St., London, 28 August 1662; married, 1681 (licence 1 November), Anthony Tournay (1648-1726), citizen and skinner of London, and had issue eight sons and five daughters; said to have died 20 May 1715;

(7) Robert Biddulph (b. & d. 1664), baptised at St Alban, Wood St., London, 26 January 1663/4; died in infancy and was buried at St Alban, Wood St., London, 1 November 1664;

(8) Michael Biddulph (1664-83), baptised at St Alban, Wood St., London, 9 March 1664/5; died unmarried, 26 August and was buried at St Alban, Wood St., London, 29 August 1683.

He lived in London, but also owned property at Essondon (Herts).

He died 26 May, and was buried at St Alban, Wood St., London 4 June 1678; his will was proved in the PCC, 15 June 1678. His widow married 2nd, 1680 (licence 27 January), Dr. Thomas Tymme, physician, and is said to have died in 1686/7; her will was proved in the PCC, 22 October 1687.

Biddulph, Anthony (1659-1718). Eldest surviving son of Robert Biddulph (c.1618-78) and his wife Mary, daughter of Sir Abraham Cullen, 1st bt., of East Sheen (Surrey), born in London, 24 February 1658/9. Merchant in London. High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1695-96. He married, 15 June 1680 at Ledbury, Constance (1650-1706), daughter and co-heir of Francis Hall of New House, Ledbury, and had issue:

(1) Anthony Biddulph (1681-89), baptised at Ledbury, 30 June 1681; died young, 20 December and was buried at Ledbury, 28 December 1689;

(2) Robert Biddulph (1682-1772) (q.v.);

(3) Francis Biddulph (1683-1744), baptised at Ledbury, 22 November 1683; married, 28 July 1715 at Newent (Glos), Mary (1682-1720), daughter of William Rogers of Okle, Newent (Glos), and had issue two daughters; married 2nd, 13 June 1723 in the chapel of St Oswald's Hospital, Worcester, Anne (1699-1732), daughter of Dr John Bagley of Worcester, and had further issue two sons and three daughters; married 3rd, 1 July 1733 at Madresfield (Worcs), Margaret (d. 1736), daughter of William Lygon of Madresfield Court (Worcs) and widow of Rev. Reginald Pyndar; buried at Ledbury, 22 October 1744, where he is commemorated by a floor slab and his three wives by a mural monument;

(4) Michael Biddulph (1685-1758), baptised at Ledbury, 20 August 1685; educated at Brasenose College, Oxford (matriculated 1700) and Lincolns Inn (called 1711; bencher, 1740; treasurer, 1750); barrister-at-law; married, 31 July 1738 at St George-the-Martyr, Bloomsbury, Mary (c.1682-1764), daughter of George Jarvis and widow of Gilbert Browne of Shimpans, North Mimms (Herts), but had no issue; died 15 October and was buried at North Mimms (Herts), 23 July 1758, where he is commemorated by a monument; will proved in the PCC, 25 October 1758.

He purchased New House, Ledbury (later Ledbury Park) from his father-in-law in 1688.

He died 10 May 1718 and was buried at Ledbury, where he is commemorated by a monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 5 July 1718. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Biddulph, Robert (1682-1772). Second, but eldest surviving, son of Anthony Biddulph (1659-1718) and his wife Constance, daughter of Francis Hall of New House, Ledbury, baptised at Ledbury, 12 October 1682. He married, 26 May 1715 at Cofton Hackett (Worcs), Anne (1690-1760), daughter of Benjamin Jolliffe (1645-1719) of Cofton Hall (Worcs), and had issue:

(1) Anthony Biddulph (1717-18), baptised at Ledbury, 25 April 1717; died in infancy and was buried at Ledbury, 15 May 1718;

(2) Robert Biddulph (1718-49), baptised at Ledbury, 20 February 1718/9; educated at Worcester College, Oxford (matriculated 1737); died unmarried and was buried at Ledbury, 9 May 1749;

(3) Thomas Biddulph (1720-21), baptised at Ledbury, 22 September 1720; died in infancy and was buried at Ledbury, 3 February 1720/21;

(4) Anthony Biddulph (c.1722-24), born about 1722; buried at Ledbury, 11 October 1724/5;

(5) Michael Biddulph (1725-1800) (q.v.);

(6) Rev. Benjamin Biddulph (1727-76), baptised at Ledbury, 20 October 1727; educated at St John's College, Oxford (matriculated 1745; BA 1748; MA 1751); ordained deacon, 1750, and priest by 1753; rector of Corringham (Essex), 1753-76; married 1st, 11 February 1762 at St Chad, Shrewsbury (Shrops.), Mary Bennett (1740-63), and 2nd, 13 January 1767 at Ludlow (Shrops.), Mary Poole (1741-1821)*, (who m2, 3 July 1794 at Bishops Frome (Herefs), as his second wife, Rev. Ralph Cope Hopton (1726-97) of Canon Frome (Herefs)), and had issue one son (who settled at Burghill (Herefs)) and two daughters (who died in infancy); buried at Burghill, 27 March 1776;

(7) Mary Biddulph (b. & d. 1731), baptised at Ledbury, 28 September 1731; died in infancy and was buried at Ledbury, 13 October 1731;

(8) Francis Biddulph (1733-1800), baptised at Ledbury, 3 March 1733; banker, who founded Cocks, Biddulph & Co. in 1757; died unmarried and intestate at Brighton (Sussex), 24 October 1800, when 'a considerable part of his immense fortune' devolved upon his brother Michael, to whom administration of his goods was granted 13 November 1800, but who died soon afterwards.

He inherited Ledbury Park from his father in 1718.

He died 10 March and was buried at Ledbury, 14 March 1772; his will was proved in the PCC, 5 June 1772. His wife was buried at Ledbury, 25 February 1760.

* His second wife appears as a witness to his first marriage and was presumably a friend or relation of his first wife.

Biddulph, Michael (1725-1800). Fifth, but eldest surviving, son of Robert Biddulph (1682-1772) and his wife Anne, daughter of Benjamin Jolliffe of Cofton Hall (Worcs), born 24 January 1724/5. Educated at Worcester College, Oxford (matriculated 1742) and Lincoln's Inn (admitted 1742; called 1749). Barrister-at-law. Steward of the Hereford Infirmary. He married, 14 September 1757 at Great Malvern (Worcs), Penelope (1735-1818), daughter of John Dandridge of Balden's Green, Malvern (Worcs), and had issue:

(1) Penelope Biddulph (b. & d. 1759), baptised at Colwall (Herefs.), 8 January 1759; died in infancy and was buried at Ledbury, 19 January 1759;

(2) Thomas Biddulph (1759-93), born 9 December and baptised at Colwall, 14 December 1759; lived at Cofton Hall (Worcs) from 1791; an officer in the Herefordshire militia (Capt.); died unmarried, 3 August, and was buried at Cofton Hackett, 6 August 1793;

(3) Robert Biddulph (later Myddleton-Biddulph) (1761-1814), baptised at Colwall, 29 March 1761; as a young man he went to India, where he worked very profitably as a merchant in Calcutta before returning to England in 1795; succeeded his uncle Francis as a partner in Cocks, Biddulph & Co., 1800; Recorder of Denbigh, 1795-96, 1802-14; Whig MP for Herefordshire, 1796-1802 and Independent MP for Denbighshire Boroughs, 1806-12; officer commanding Chirk Volunteers (Lt-Col., 1803); took the additional surname Myddleton, 1801; was given Cofton Hall by his father but sold it in 1812; married, 24 December 1801, Charlotte (d. 1843), daughter of Richard Myddleton (d. 1795) of Chirk Castle (Denbighs) and co-heir of her brother, Richard Myddleton (d. 1796) of Chirk, and had issue two sons (from the elder of whom subsequent owners of Chirk Castle descended) and one daughter; died 30 August 1814 and was buried at Ledbury; will proved in the PCC, 1 October 1814;

(4) Michael Biddulph (1762-68), baptised at Colwall, 7 November 1762; died young and was buried at Ledbury, 3 August 1768;

(5) Penelope Biddulph (1764-1851), born 11 May and baptised at Colwall, 20 May 1764; married, 2 April 1793 at St Andrew Undershaft, London, Adam Gordon (1758-1800) of Dulwich Hill House (Surrey), ironfounder and shipbuilder, and had issue one son (William Gordon (1794-1836), later of Haffield House (Herefs.); died in Cheltenham (Glos), 16 December 1851, and was buried at Ledbury, where she is commemorated on a headstone; will proved in the PCC, 15 November 1852;

(6) Francis Biddulph (1766-94), baptised at Colwall, 28 January 1766; educated at Rugby and St. John's College, Cambridge (matriculated 1784; MB 1790); physician at St Bartholomew's Hospital; died unmarried of a violent fever, 20 January 1794;

(7) John Biddulph (1768-1845) (q.v.);

(8) Mary Anne Biddulph (1769-1839), baptised at Coddington (Herefs), 17 December 1769; married, 18 September 1794 at Chislehurst (Kent), Robert Phillips (1749-1822), barrister-at-law, MP for Hereford, 1784-85, of Longworth Hall, Lugwardine (Herefs), and had issue two sons and four daughters; died at Cheltenham, 27 December 1839; will proved in the PCC, 12 May 1840;

(9) Anne Biddulph (1772-1841), baptised at Claines (Worcs), 29 March 1762; married, 15 June 1789 at Ledbury, David Gordon (1753-1831) of Abergeldie and Dulwich Hill House (Surrey), banker and later ironfounder and shipbuilder, and had issue four sons and three daughters; died at the Manor House, Sevenoaks (Kent), 26 February and was buried at Camberwell, 5 March 1841; will proved in the PCC, 11 March 1841;

(10) Harriet Biddulph (1775-1863), born 20 April and baptised at Claines, 30 April 1775; married, 22 September 1818 at Great Malvern, Thomas Woodyatt (1791-1841) of Worcester (Worcs), son of Dr George Woodyatt of Ledbury, and had issue one son; lived at Holly Mount House*, Great Malvern; died 31 January and was buried at Great Malvern, 5 February 1863; will proved 18 March 1863 (effects under £4,000).

He inherited Ledbury Park from his father in 1772 and Cofton Hall from his mother's family in 1791. He commissioned designs for rebuilding Cofton Hall from George Byfield in 1796, which were not executed, although the house was partly rebuilt more simply around that time. He settled Cofton on his elder son, Robert Biddulph (1761-1814), who sold it to the Earl of Plymouth in 1812.

He died 6 December 1800 and was buried at Ledbury; his will was proved in the PCC, 24 December 1800. His widow died in 1818; her will was proved in the PCC, 17 March 1818.

* Which they loaned to the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, Princess Victoria, when they visited Malvern in 1830.

Biddulph, John (1768-1845). Fifth son of Michael Biddulph (1725-1800) and his wife Penelope, daughter of John Dandridge of Balden's Green, Malvern (Worcs), born 17 March 1768. Banker with Cocks, Biddulph & Co. in London. High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1821-22. He married, 9 September 1797 at Ledbury, Augusta Roberts (1775-1854), and had issue:

(1) Anne Penelope Biddulph (1798-1874), born 5 July 1798; lived with her unmarried younger sister at Round House, Ross Rd., Ledbury; died unmarried, 31 January and was buried at Donnington-by-Ledbury (Herefs), 5 February 1874; will proved 9 March 1874 (effects under £9,000);

(2) Michael Francis Biddulph (1799-1801), born 28 June and baptised at St Giles, Camberwell, 25 July 1799; died in infancy and was buried at St Giles, Camberwell, 17 February 1801;

(3) Robert Biddulph (1801-64) (q.v.);

(4) Katherine Biddulph (1802-88), born 22 October and baptised at St Giles, Camberwell, 16 November 1802; lived at Park Cottage, Ledbury; died unmarried 18 January 1888, and was buried at Great Malvern (Worcs), but commemorated by a monument at Ledbury; will proved 5 March 1888 (effects £11,211);

(5) Augusta Eleanor Biddulph (1804-74), born 19 April and baptised at St Giles, Camberwell, 10 May 1804; married, 20 May 1830 at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster (Middx), Edmund John Jones (1805-50) of Kings Caple (Herefs), and had issue five sons and four daughters; lived latterly at Manorbier House (Pembs) and Llyswen House (Brecons.); died 20 November 1874 and was buried at Kings Caple; will proved 15 March 1875 (effects under £4,000);  

(6) John Biddulph (1806-81), born 14 January and baptised at St Giles, Camberwell, 8 February 1806; educated at Harrow and Clare College, Cambridge (matriculated 1822; BA 1828); banker with his brothers Robert and Francis Thomas until 1838, and later iron and tinplate manufacturer in Swansea (Glam.); had houses in London and Great Malvern (Worcs); married, 7 September 1836, Emma Maria (1816-1903), only daughter of William Chambers (1774-1855) of Bicknor (Kent) and Llanelly House (Glam.), and had issue one daughter; died in London, 20 July, and was buried at Donnington-by-Ledbury (Herefs), 25 July 1881; will proved 18 November 1881 (effects £31,870);

(7) Mary Anne Biddulph (1807-92), born 19 May and baptised at St Giles, Camberwell, 25 June 1807; married, 20 April 1837 at Ledbury, Robert Martin (1808-97) of Overbury Court (Worcs), chairman of Martin & Co., bankers, and had issue two sons and two daughters; died 24 November and was buried at Overbury, 29 November 1892;

(8) Penelope Biddulph (1809-88), born 15 September and baptised at St Giles, Camberwell (Surrey), 24 October 1809; married, 14 July 1838 at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster, Rev. Thomas Phillipps (1800-83), vicar of Dewsall (Herefs), 1838-76, and had issue four sons and three daughters; died at Cheltenham (Glos), 17 August 1888; will proved 7 November 1888 (effects £1,184);

(9) Francis Thomas Biddulph (1812-76), born 10 January and baptised at St Giles, Camberwell (Surrey), 13 February 1812; partner in Biddulph Bros. & Co. of Pembroke, bankers; married*, 16 September 1846 at Monkton (Pembs.), Catharine (b. c.1820), daughter of John Lewis, gent., and had issue at least two sons and two daughters; became eccentric in his later years and lived apart from his family in lodgings in London; died suddenly, 27 October and was buried at Highgate Cemetery East, 31 October 1876; his death was the subject of an inquest which found he died of natural causes;

(10) Ormus Biddulph (1813-87), born 6 January 1813; banker with Biddulph, Cocks & Co. of London; a director of Weber & Biddulph, merchants (failed 1864) and the Westminster Brewery Co.; married, March 1846 at St John the Evangelist, Clifton (Glos), Caroline Margaret (1822-96), daughter of Sir John Godfrey Thomas, and had issue three sons and seven daughters; lived in Chester and later at Exton (Hants); died 25 August 1887; will proved 11 November 1887 (effects £1,703);

(11) Constance Petronella Biddulph (1816-81), baptised at St Giles, Camberwell, 22 February 1816; lived with her eldest sister at Ledbury; died unmarried, 12 January, and was buried at Donnington-by-Ledbury, 17 January 1881; will proved 18 February 1881 (effects under £7,000).

He lived at Champion Hill, Camberwell (Surrey). He inherited Ledbury Park from his father in 1800, and added the north wing in 1818-19 to the designs of H.H. Seward.

He died 25 November 1845 and was buried in the family vault at Ledbury, where he and his wife are commemorated by a monument, 3 December 1845; his will was proved in the PCC, 12 February 1846. His widow died 9 May 1854 and was buried at Ledbury.

* There may have been an earlier marriage which proved to be irregular in some respect, as the couple were living together as husband and wife by 1841 and their first child was baptised in 1843, with no suggestion that he was illegitimate.

Biddulph, Robert (1801-64). Second, but eldest surviving, son of John Biddulph (1768-1845) and his wife Augusta Roberts, born 3 March and baptised at St Giles, Camberwell (Surrey), 8 April 1801. Educated at Harrow, 1813-18, and Brasenose College, Oxford (matriculated 1818). Banker in London with Cocks, Biddulph & Co., Chairman of the Economic Insurance Society, and a governor of the Canada Company. Whig MP for Hereford, 1832-37; JP and DL for Herefordshire; High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1857-58. He was interested in improvements in farming methods, and a keen promoter of proven techniques. He was also a Fellow and Vice-President of the Royal Geographical Society. He married, 25 February 1830, Elizabeth (1805-99), daughter of George Palmer MP (1772-1853) of Nazeing Park (Essex), and had issue:

(1) Augusta Biddulph (1830-34), born 29 November 1830 and baptised at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster, 4 January 1831; died young, 10 October, and was buried at Ledbury, 15 October 1834;

(2) Elizabeth Biddulph (1832-82), baptised at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster, 8 March 1832; died unmarried and was buried at Brompton Cemetery (Middx), 10 June 1882; will proved 5 July 1882 (estate £1,324);

(3) Michael Biddulph (1834-1923), 1st Baron Biddulph (q.v.);

(4) Gen. Sir Robert Biddulph (1835-1918), GCB GCMG, born 26 August and baptised at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster, 22 October 1835; educated at Twyford and Royal Military Academy, Woolwich; an officer in the army (2nd Lt., 1853; Lt., 1854; Capt., 1860; Maj., 1861; Lt-Col., 1864; Col., 1872; Maj-Gen., 1883; Lt-Gen., 1887; Gen., 1892); High Commissioner to Cyprus, 1879-86; Inspector General of Recruiting, 1886; Quartermaster General to Forces, 1887 and 1893; Director-General of Military Education, 1888-93; Governor of Gibraltar, 1893-1900; Army Purchase Commissioner, 1904 (in which capacity he abolished the purchase of commissions); Master Gunner of St James' Park, 1914; appointed KCMG, 1880; GCMG, 1886, and GCB, 1899; married, 11 August 1864, Sophia (1835-1905), daughter of Rev. Anthony Lewis Lambert, rector of Chilbolton (Hants) and widow of Richard Stuart Palmer (1821-62) of Calcutta (India), and had issue four sons and six daughters; died 18 November 1918 and was buried in Charlton Cemetery, Woolwich (Kent); will proved 28 December 1918 (estate £34,192);

(5) George Biddulph (b. & d. 1836), baptised at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster, 9 November 1836; died in infancy and was buried at St Martin-in-the-Fields, 11 November 1836;

(6) Anna Maria Biddulph (1838-90), born 1 February and at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, 14 March 1838; became a Sister of Mercy between 1871 and 1881; died unmarried at St Mary's Home, Wantage, 19 December 1890; will proved 5 January 1891 (estate under £500);

(7) John Biddulph (1840-1921), born 25 July and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, 5 August 1840; educated at Twyford and Westminster, 1853-58; an officer in the Indian army (Cadet, 1858; Cornet, 1858; Lt., 1858; Capt., 1871; Maj., 1877; Lt-Col., 1884; Col. 1888; retired 1895), who was ADC to the Viceroy, 1873-77 and thereafter held posts in the political department of the Indian administration; returned to England in 1897; JP for Surrey; author of The tribes of the Hindu Kush (1880), and other works; married, 1882, Julia Errington (1844-1933), daughter of Sir James Ranald Martin (1796-1874), kt., surgeon, but had no issue; died 31 December 1921 and was buried at St Andrew, Ham (Surrey), 3 January 1922; will proved 4 March 1922 (estate £16,664);

(8) Georgiana Joyce Biddulph (1842-1920), born 19 March and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, 16 March 1842; married, 12 July 1866 at Ledbury, Rev. William Henry Lambert, rector of Stoke Edith (Herefs.), and had issue one son; died 14 March 1920; will proved 23 April 1920 (estate £445);

(9) Anthony Biddulph (1843-1911), born and baptised at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster, 2 March 1843; educated at Winchester; articled clerk to Arthur Walker of Grays Inn, solicitor, but was later a secretary and a manufacturing brassfounder; lived in a boarding house in Edgbaston, Birmingham; died 20 February 1911; adminstration of goods granted to his eldest brother, 21 March 1911 (estate £2,684);

(10) George Tournay Biddulph (1844-1929), of Douglas House, Petersham (Surrey), born 23 May and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, 13 July 1844; banker with Cocks Biddulph & Co.; treasurer of House of Charity, Soho, Westminster, 1867-1907 and of Church House, Westminster; and a trustee of the Dysart estates; married, 3 October 1883 at Blackmoor (Hants), his second cousin, Lady Sarah Wilfreda Palmer (1854-1910), daughter of Roundell Palmer (1812-95), 1st Earl of Selborne, and had issue one son; died 8 July and was buried at Petersham (Surrey), 11 July 1929; will proved 22 August 1929 (estate £128,925);

(11) Louisa Biddulph (1845-1926), born 4 December 1845 and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, 11 February 1846; died unmarried and was buried at Brompton Cemetery, 1 July 1926.

He inherited Ledbury Park from his father and acquired a town house at 31 Eaton Square, Westminster.

He died 28 February 1864 and was buried at Ledbury; his will was proved 27 May 1864 (effects under £20,000). His widow died 25 January 1899 and was buried at Ledbury; her will was proved 20 February 1899 (estate £7,197).

Biddulph, Michael (1834-1923), 1st Baron Biddulph. Eldest son of Robert Biddulph (1801-64) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of George Palmer MP of Nazeing Park (Essex), born 17 February and baptised at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster (Middx), 22 March 1834. Educated at Harrow. Banker; partner in Cocks, Biddulph & Co, which was sold to Martin's Bank in 1919; a director of Economic Life Assurance Ltd. Liberal MP for Herefordshire, 1865-85 and South Herefordshire, 1885-86; Liberal Unionist MP for Ross-on-Wye division of Herefordshire, 1886-1900; JP and DL for Herefordshire; JP for Gloucestershire. He funded the building of Ledbury Cottage Hospital in 1891 to mark the coming of age of his eldest son. He married 1st, 9 August 1864 at St James, Piccadilly, Westminster, Adelaide Georgiana (1836-72), daughter of Gen. Rt. Hon. Jonathan Peel MP, and 2nd, 16 July 1877, Lady Elizabeth Philippa (1834-1916), Woman of the Bedchamber to HM Queen Victoria and author of a biography of her father, daughter of Charles Philip Yorke (1799-1873), 4th Earl of Hardwicke and widow of Henry John Adeane MP (1833-70) of Babraham (Cambs), and had issue:

(1.1) Hon. Adela Margaret Mary Biddulph (1865-76), baptised at St Michael, Chester Sq., Westminster (Middx), 2 December 1865; died young and was buried at Donnington-by-Ledbury (Herefs), 22 September 1876;

(1.2) Hon. Edith Mary Biddulph (1867-1939), born 14 February and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, 27 March 1867*; married, 31 March 1891 at All Saints, Ennismore Gardens, Knightsbridge (Middx), Charles Wentworth Bell (1857-1929)** of Bronsil Castle, Eastnor (Herefs), only son of Charles Bell of Chapel Allerton, Leeds (Yorks WR), and had issue four sons (of whom one died in infancy); died 16 November 1939 and was buried at Eastnor; will proved 2 March 1940 (estate £8,342);

(1.3) Hon. Violet Maud Biddulph (1868-1960), born 31 May and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, 4 July 1868; artist; lived at Ewen House (Glos); died unmarried, 7 March 1960; will proved 30 December 1960 (estate £47,331);

(1.4) John Michael Gordon Biddulph (1869-1949), 2nd Baron Biddulph (q.v.);

(1.5) Hon. Claud William Biddulph (1871-1954) [for whom see below, Biddulph of Rodmarton Manor].

He inherited Ledbury Park and 31 Eaton Square from his father in 1864, and the Kemble estate from his cousin, Anna Gordon, in 1884. The latter included 600a. at Rodmarton, which he gave to his second son in 1894.

He died 6 April 1923 and was buried at Ledbury; his will was proved 9 August 1923 (estate £211,320). His first wife died 22 May and was buried at Donnington-by-Ledbury (Herefs), 29 May 1872. His second wife died 13 January and was buried at Babraham (Cambs), 18 January 1916.

* The parish register gives her date of birth as 14 February 1866, but a delay of over a year in baptism would be unusual, and the press reported the birth of a daughter on 14 February 1867, so the register is likely to be incorrect.

** Bell suffered for five years with a terminal illness, but in that time had an affair with his nurse, as a result of which a child was born (who grew up to be the noted photographer, Jane Bown (1925-2014))

2nd Baron Biddulph 

Biddulph, John Michael Gordon (1869-1949), 2nd Baron Biddulph. Elder son of Michael Biddulph (1834-1923), 1st Baron Biddulph, and his first wife, Adelaide Georgiana, daughter of Gen. Rt. Hon. Jonathan Peel MP, born 19 November and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster (Middx), 29 December 1869. Educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford (matriculated 1888; BA 1892). Banker; partner in Cocks, Biddulph & Co.  and from 1919 a director of Martin's Bank, which had acquired the family bank. A Governor of Guy's Hospital, London. He married, 10 November 1896 at Holy Trinity, Chelsea (Middx), Marjorie Caroline Susan (1874-1961), daughter of Lt-Col. William Mure of Caldwell, and had issue:

(1) Michael William John Biddulph (1898-1972), 3rd Baron Biddulph (q.v.);

(2) Hon. Adelaide Mary (k/a 'Dig') Biddulph (1901-85), born 9 December 1901 and baptised at St Peter, Cranley Gardens, Kensington (Middx), 23 January 1902; married, 25 July 1929 at St Margaret, Westminster, her second cousin, Henry Vincent Yorke (1905-73), better known as the novelist 'Henry Green', son of Vincent Woodhouse Yorke of Forthampton Court (Glos), and had issue one son; died 25 June 1985 and was buried at Forthampton; will proved 7 January 1986 (estate £243,841);

(3) Hon. Rupert Arthur Biddulph (1904-75), born 1 July 1904; educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford; a member of the Mercers' Company, made a freeman of the city of London, 1930; suffered from mental illness and was a patient at Old Cannon House, Hailsham in 1939 and later at Ticehurst House (Sussex); died unmarried, 26 January 1975; administration of goods granted 25 April 1975 (estate £3,671);

(4) Hon. Mary Constance Biddulph (1907-91); married, 9 July 1929 at Royal Military Chapel, Wellington Barracks, Westminster (div. 1938), Capt. Montagu William Lowry-Corry (1907-77), only son of Gen. Noel Armar Lowry-Corry DSO, and had issue one daughter (Josephine, later the wife of Prince Rupert zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg); died 2 January 1991 and was buried at Kemble (Glos).

He inherited Ledbury Park and Kemble House from his father in 1923. He leased Ledbury Park from 1941 to a stationery manufacturer and moved to Underdown House. He sold Kemble House in 1948 to S.J. Phillips.

He died 17 December 1949; his will was proved 13 March and 3 June 1950 (estate £147,758). His widow died 9 November 1961; her will was proved 27 March 1962 (estate £17,920).

Biddulph, Michael William John (1898-1972), 3rd Baron Biddulph. Elder son of John Michael Gordon Biddulph (1869-1949), 2nd Baron Biddulph, and his wife Marjorie Caroline Susan, daughter of Col. William Mure of Caldwell, born 6 March and baptised at St Peter, Cranley Gardens, Kensington (Middx), 31 March 1898. Educated at Eton and Royal Military College, Sandhurst. An officer in the Coldstream Guards (2nd Lt., 1916; Lt., 1916; retired on half-pay due to illness caused by wounds, 1920; fully retired 1925). He married, 21 October 1925 at Ellingham (Hants), Lady Amy Louise (1905-83), daughter of Sidney James Agar (1865-1933), 4th Earl of Normanton, and had issue:

(1) Hon. Marjorie Amy (k/a Molly) Biddulph (1927-2014), born 17 December 1927; married, 15 January 1947 at Holy Trinity, Brompton (Middx), Thomas Ian Michael Walker-Munro (1922-65), eldest son of Major Ian Charles Ronald Walker-Munro, and had issue one son and one daughter; died at Easter Logie (Perths.), 22 June 2014;

(2) Hon. Susan Louise Biddulph (1929-2009), born 24 August 1929; died unmarried at Teignmouth (Devon), 23 September 2009; will proved 31 December 2009;

(3) Robert Michael Christian Biddulph (1931-88), 4th Baron Biddulph (q.v.);

(4) Hon. Edward Sidney Biddulph (1934-2001), born 18 November 1934; educated at Eton; an officer in the Royal Horse Guards (Lt.); inherited the Ledbury Park estate from his father in 1972, and lived at Much Marcle (Herefs); sold Underdown House after the fire there in 1983; died unmarried and intestate, 25 October 2001; administration of goods granted 2002 (estate £1,187,518).

He inherited Ledbury Park and Underdown House from his father in 1949, but sold Ledbury Park House to the tenant in 1952. The remainder of the estate passed to his younger son at his death.

He died 20 July and was buried at Donnington by Ledbury (Glos), 25 July 1972; his will was proved 22 October 1972 (estate £146,756). His widow died following the fire at Underdown House, 11 November 1983; her will was proved 15 January 1986 (estate £109,915) and was further administered, 28 July 2005.

Biddulph, Robert Michael Christian (1931-88), 4th Baron Biddulph. Elder son of Michael William John Biddulph (1898-1972), 3rd Baron Biddulph, and his wife Lady Amy Louise, daughter of Sidney James Agar, 4th Earl of Normanton, born 6 January 1931. Educated at Canford School and Royal Military College, Sandhurst. An officer in the army (Lt.). Member of Roxburghshire County Council, 1961-70. An underwriting member of Lloyds. A liveryman of the Armourers and Braziers Co., City of London. He married, 9 April 1958 at St Margaret, Westminster (Middx), Lady Mary Helena (1938-2023), a Tweed Commissioner, 1988-2000, eldest daughter of Ivor Colin James Maitland, Viscount Maitland, and granddaughter and co-heir of Ian Colin Maitland, 15th Earl of Lauderdale, and had issue:

(1) (Anthony) Nicholas Colin Biddulph (later Maitland-Biddulph) (b. 1959), 5th Baron Biddulph (q.v.);

(2) Hon. Fiona Mary Biddulph (later Maitland-Biddulph) (b. 1961), born 28 August 1961; educated at Cortauld Institute; took the additional name of Maitland in 1981; freeman of the city of London; author of Metropolitan: a portrait of Paris (1994); married, 16 April 1994 at St Andrew, Kelso (Roxb.), Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser (b. 1959), and had issue one son and two daughters;

(3) Hon. William Ian Robert Biddulph (later Maitland-Biddulph) (b. 1963), of Greatridge Hall, Makerstoun (Roxb.), born 27 March 1963; educated at Loretto School, Edinburgh; wine merchant with Berry Bros. to 1999 and subsequently winemaker and viticulturist; freeman of City of London; took the additional name of Maitland in 1978.

His wife and her sisters inherited Makerstoun House (Roxburghs.) from their grandfather in 1953, and he and his wife occupied it from 1960. The house burned down in 1970 and was rebuilt in 1973-74.

He died 3 November 1988; his will was proved 16 March 1989 (estate £435,326). His widow died 16 September 2023.

Biddulph (later Maitland-Biddulph), (Anthony) Nicholas Colin (b. 1959), 5th Baron Biddulph. Elder son of Robert Michael Christian Biddulph (1931-88), 4th Baron Biddulph, and his wife Lady Mary Helena, daughter of Ivor Colin James Maitland, Viscount Maitland, and granddaughter of 15th Earl of Lauderdale, born 8 April 1959. Educated at Cheltenham College and Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. Interior designer and sporting manager. A liveryman of the Armourers and Braziers Co., city of London, since 1995. He took the additional name of Maitland, 1978. He married, 28 August 1993 (div. 2001), Hon. Siân Diana (b. 1961), younger daughter of Rt. Hon. James David Gibson-Watt (1918-2002), Baron Gibson-Watt, and had issue:

(1) Hon. Robert Julian Watt Maitland-Biddulph (b. 1994), born 8 July 1994; educated at Fettes College, Edinburgh and Imperial College, London (MSci); land surveyor;

(2) Hon. David Michael William Maitland-Biddulph (b. 1997), born 20 October 1997; educated at Fettes College, Edinburgh and Exeter University.

He inherited Makerstoun House from his mother. 

Now living. His ex-wife is now living.

Biddulph of Rodmarton Manor

Biddulph, Hon. Claud William (1871-1954). Younger son of Michael Biddulph (1834-1923), 1st Baron Biddulph, and his first wife, Adelaide Georgiana, daughter of Gen. Rt. Hon. Jonathan Peel MP, born 8 February and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, 17 March 1871. Educated at Harrow and Trinity Hall, Cambridge (matriculated 1889). A stockbroker in London with Steer Lawford & Co., 1899-1903, and later with other firms. He married, 12 December 1906 at St Peter, Eaton Sq., Westminster, Margaret (1880-1970), only daughter of Alfred John Howard (1848-1916), and had issue:

(1) Anthony Biddulph (1910-84) (q.v.);

(2) Marjory Mary Biddulph (1915-95), born 8 January and was baptised at St Paul, Knightsbridge (Middx), 18 February 1915; married 1st, 15 February 1936 at St Ethelburga, Bishopsgate, London (div. 1962), Maj. Philip Wilfred Cripps (1902-65), second son of Maj. Sir Frederick William Beresford Cripps (1873-1961) of Ampney Park (Glos), and had issue one son and two daughters; married 2nd, 28 October 1964, Lt-Col. Sir Roland Lewis Findlay (1903-79), 3rd bt.; died 8 June 1995; will proved 19 October 1995 (estate £190,359).

He was given the Rodmarton Manor estate in 1894, and built a new manor house, c.1909-29. During the Second World War the house was occupied by an evacuated London school.

He died 6 August 1954 and was buried at Rodmarton; his will was proved 11 November 1954 (estate £169,665). His widow died 21 June 1970; her will was proved 13 October 1970 (estate £18,975).

Biddulph, Anthony (1910-84). Only son of Hon. Claud William Biddulph (1871-1954) and his wife Margaret, only daughter of Alfred John Howard, born 18 August and baptised at St Paul, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge (Middx), 29 September 1910. Educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford (MA). An officer in the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars (2nd Lt., 1934; Lt., 1937; Capt., 1945; Maj., 1950). High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, 1960-61. He married, 4 August 1938 at Cirencester (Glos), Mary Dearman (1909-91), daughter of Maj. Sir John Dearman Birchall MP (1875-1941) of Cotswold Farm (Glos), and had issue:

(1) Clarissa Mary Biddulph (1939-2011), born 16 July 1939; married, 21 July 1962 (div. 1987), James Robert Ferard (b. 1938), only son of Lt-Col. Richard Ferard of Tredean, Chepstow (Mon.), and had issue two sons and one daughter; died 28 November 2011;

(2) Simon Biddulph (b. 1942) (q.v.);

(3) (Anthony) Jasper Biddulph (b. 1946), of Manor Farm, Tarlton (Glos), born 19 August 1946; educated at Eton and Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester; farmer; married, 18 October 1975, Louise Perrett, daughter of William Sandeman Cox, of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales (Australia), and had issue one son and one daughter.

He inherited Rodmarton Manor from his father in 1954 and converted the service wing into flats.

He died 22 August 1984; his will was proved 15 April 1985 (estate £379,449). His widow died 17 August 1991; her will was proved 22 April 1992 (estate £2,437,350).

Biddulph, Simon (b. 1942). Elder son of Anthony Biddulph (1910-84) and his wife Mary Dearman, daughter of Maj. Sir John Dearman Birchall MP of Cotswold Farm (Glos), born 23 November 1942. Educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. He married, 3 December 1970, Christina (d. 2011), daughter of George McCorquadale, and had issue:

(1) John Simon Biddulph (b. 1971) (q.v.);

(2) (Anthony) George Biddulph (b. 1973), born 4 December 1973; educated at Eton and Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst; an officer in the army (Capt.); married, 2001, Annabel Georgina, only daughter of Walter Simpson, of Glendevon, Perthshire, and had issue two sons and three daughters;

(3) Sarah Rose Biddulph (b. 1980), born Oct-Dec 1980; married, 7 October 2006 at Rodmarton, William James Pope (b. 1978) of Malmesbury (Wilts), son of James Pope of Didmarton (Glos), and had issue two daughters.

He inherited Rodmarton Manor from his father in 1984, and handed it over to his son in 2013.

Now living. His wife died 27 July 2011; her will was proved 21 May 2012.

Biddulph, John Simon (b. 1971). Elder son of Simon Biddulph (b. 1942) and his wife Christina, daughter of George McCorquadale, born 1 September 1971. Educated at Eton. Farmer. Director of Haresdown Property Ltd. from 2007 and of A. & R. Farming Ltd. since 2018. He married, 3 July 1999 at Melton Mowbray (Leics), Hon. Sarah Margaret (b. 1971), only daughter of John Henrik Gretton (1941-89), 3rd Baron Gretton of Somerby (Leics), and had issue:

(1) Alice Emily Christina Biddulph (b. 2002), born 8 July 2002; educated at Marlborough and Newcastle University (BSc, 2025);

(2) Thomas George Henrik Biddulph (b. 2003), born 14 October 2003;

(3) Frederick Jack Lysander Biddulph (b. 2006), born 16 November 2006; educated at Cheltenham College.

His father handed over Rodmarton Manor to him in 2013.

Now living. His wife is now living.

Principal sources

Burke's Peerage and Baronetage, 2003, pp. 372-73; S. Lysons, A collection of Gloucestershire Antiquities, 1804, pl. 33; P.F. Robinson, Designs for ornamental villas, 1827, plates for 'design 11'; VCH Gloucestershire, vol. 11, 1976, pp. 236-37; C. Aslet, 'Rodmarton Manor', Country Life, 19-26 October 1978; N.W. Kingsley, 'The work of Anthony Keck', Country Life, 20-27 October 1988; J. Allibone, George Devey, 1991, pp. 100-03; P. Davey, Arts and Crafts Architecture, 1995, p.22; D. Ottewill, The Edwardian garden, 1989, pp. 132-34; N.W. Kingsley & M. Hill, The country houses of Gloucestershire 1830-2000, 2001, pp. 214-17; T. Mowl, Historic gardens of Gloucestershire, 2002, pp. 149-51; K. Cruft, J. Dunbar & R. Fawcett, The buildings of Scotland: Borders, 2006, pp. 512-13; S. Pinches, Ledbury: a market town and its Tudor heritage, 2009; A. Brooks & Sir N. Pevsner, The buildings of England: Herefordshire, 2012, pp. 429-30, 434; B. Byrom, The country houses, castles and mansions of Roxburghshire, 2015, pp. 63-64;

https://www.martinsbank.co.uk/The Banks that Built Martins, accessed 3 November 2025.

Location of archives

Biddulph family, Barons Biddulph:  deeds and estate papers, 15th-20th cents; diaries and journals of John Biddulph, banker, 1787-1841 [Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre, D51, G2, D2/3]; Gloucestershire estate deeds, manorial records, estate and family papers, 16th-20th cents [Gloucestershire Archives, D1332, D1348, D5112]

Coat of arms

Biddulph (later Maitland-Biddulph), Barons Biddulph: Vert an eagle displayed argent armed and langued gules, a canton of the second. [The present baron quarters his arms with those of Maitland: or a lion rampant gules couped at all his joints of the field within a double tressure flory counterflory azure]

Can you help?

• Can anyone provide photographs or portraits of the people whose names appear in bold above, for whom no image is currently shown?
• If anyone can offer further information or corrections to any part of this article I should be most grateful. I am always particularly pleased to hear from current owners or the descendants of families associated with a property who can supply information from their own research or personal knowledge for inclusion.

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 4 November 2025.