Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 238. “A mid to late C18 house by George Ensor, built as one of four charter schools in this part of Ireland endowed by a bequest from Richard Jones, 1st and last Earl of Ranelagh. Two storey, five bay; three bay pedimented breakfront. Large and wide pediment with the Ranelagh coat-of-arms; pedimented doorcase, bold quoins; window surrounds with keystones and blocking. Subsequently became a private house; now the home of Mrs S.E. Clarke.”
Richard Jones (1636 – 1712) 3rd Viscount and 1st Earl of Ranelagh, style of Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lubeck 1646/9 – London 1723), circa 1700. A three-quarter-length portrait, turned to right, head facing, left hand on hip. Wearing armour, jabot, blue cloak and full bottomed wig. A grisaille painting in background. He was the son of Arthur Jones, 1st Viscount Ranelag in the Irish peerage and succeeded as 3rd Viscount in 1669 and became Chancellor of the Irish Exchequer in 1668; farmed Irish revenues, 1674-81; Paymaster-General of the Forces, 1691-1702; Richard Hill of Hawkstone (1654-1727) was his Deputy Paymaster in Flanders for six years. Jones was dismissed for embezzlement, was convicted of defalacation, but escaped prosecution; he spent all his ill-gotten money on fine houses and gardens. The Ranelagh pleasure-grounds were laid out on his former estate in Chelsea. He sat in the English parliament between 1685 and 1703. He married firstly The Hon. Elizabeth Willoughby and secondly Lady Margaret Cecil. Courtesy of National Trust Attingham Park.
Irish Historic Houses 