Farnham Estate

Farnham Estate to the northwest of Cavan town as it is now known was originally called Waldron Estate, after Sir Richard Waldron the first landlord in the area. In 1664 the Right Rev. Robert Maxwell, Bishop of Kilmore and successor to Bishop Bedell purchased the Waldron Estate and renamed it Farnham after Sir Richard's wife who was a Miss Farnham. The estate has remained in the Farnham family since then. Farnham House is one of the largest houses in Co. Cavan. It was built c. 1810 and was designed by Francis Johnston, a leading Dublin architect. The house was redesigned in the 1970's.

Farnham Estate and House

Farnham House before it was redesigned in the 1970's

The following people have held the title Baron or Lord Farnham

Title

Dates

Name of Lords

Member of Parliament

1st Baron

1713-1759

John Maxwell (Built Farnham House)

1727 - 1756

2nd Baron

-16/11/1779

RobertMaxwell (son of John)

 

3rd Baron

-7/10/1800

Barry Maxwell (brother of Robert)

1757 - 1760

4th Baron

5/2/1759 - 24/7/1823

John James Maxwell (son of Barry)Known as Shane Rua

 

5th Baron

18/1/1767-1838

John BarryMaxwell (nephew of Barry)

1806 - 1823

6th Baron

-1839

Rev. Henry Maxwell (brother of John)

Held the title for 1 month

7th Baron

1800 - 20/8/1868

Henry Maxwell (son of Rev. Henry)

 

8th Baron

1803 - 4/6/1884

Somerset Richard Maxwell (brother of Henry)

1838-1840

9th Baron

1813- 1896

James Pierce Maxwell (brother of Henry)

1843-1865

10th Baron

7-3-1849-
22-11-1900

Somerset Henry Maxwell(nephew of James Pierce)

 

11th Baron

2-10-1879-
5-2-1957

Arthur Kenlis Maxwell

 

12th Baron

1932-2001

Barry Owen SomersetMaxwell (grandson of Arthur Kenlis )

 

[Historical Buildings near our School] [Buildings on Farnham Street]