Limerick, Ireland – In a sombre announcement today, the Press Association conveyed the news of the passing of the Marquis of Sligo, also known as Baron Monteagle, at the age of 82. The Marquis breathed his last in London on Monday, succumbing to what is believed to be syncope resulting from senile decay. The Earl Altamont, his elder son and a veteran of the Afghan War (’79-’80), now steps into the shoes of his late father.
The demise of the Marquis of Sligo unveils a poignant chapter from a bygone era, nearly half a century ago. At that time, Lord Ulick Browne, as he was known then, served in the Indian Civil Service. The pages of history recount a dramatic episode during the Mutiny, where Lady Sligo and her eldest son sought refuge at Monghyr. The outbreak of revolt in Monghyr prompted a daring escape to the collector’s house, where a handful of compatriots valiantly withstood the mutineers for weeks. Their journey eventually led them to Calcutta, yet the reunion was bittersweet as the young son had vanished.
A prolonged period of uncertainty shrouded the fate of the child until it was unveiled that a devoted ayah, harbouring deep affection for her charge, had altered the baby’s appearance to navigate the perilous Sepoy lines, ensuring the child’s safety.
The Marquis of Sligo, the heir-presumptive to the Earldom of Clanricarde, traced his lineage back to Colonel John Browne, an army veteran who served under James XI and played a role in the Treaty of Limerick. The newfound Marquis, formerly known as the Earl of Altamont, emerged as the resilient infant who narrowly escaped the clutches of death during the Indian Mutiny.
Apart from his distinguished lineage and role in historical events, the late Marquis was also known for his skills as a clever amateur actor. The multifaceted tapestry of his life weaves together threads of familial saga, historical resonance, and personal accomplishments.
As Limerick mourns the passing of the Marquis of Sligo, the city reflects on the intricate tapestry of history that interlaces the Sligo family with moments of triumph, tragedy, and the enduring spirit that defines the legacy of this noble lineage.
Weekly Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 01 March 1913
