Buzz
Due to her husband's frequent absence from home, Mary often visited her neighbor, Arthur Rochfort, who lived nearby. This led to Robert's suspicion, and according to some historians' analysis, the Earl might have wanted to divorce his wife, thus intentionally accusing her of infidelity. He punished his young wife by confining her within Gaulstown House.
Mary endured a life of confinement for 31 years. Her attendants were instructed not to converse with her, even preventing her children from visiting. Mary resorted to wandering the halls and conversing with portraits, considering them as real companions.
With Arthur, Robert filed a lawsuit and forced his brother to pay a hefty compensation of 2,000 pounds, a considerable sum at the time. When Arthur couldn't afford it, Robert pushed him into prison, where Arthur remained until his death.
After dealing with the two adulterers, Robert returned to Ireland and built a new mansion, Belvedere House – featuring the peculiar Jealous Wall, which still stands today. Later, another of Robert's brothers, George, erected a grander mansion adjacent to his. Hence, Robert erected this wall to obscure the view of his brother's house, hence its moniker 'Jealous Wall.' This construction is widely regarded as one of the most absurd manifestations of jealousy in Ireland.
On November 13, 1774, Robert was found critically injured on a plot of land near his home. His skull was cracked and bleeding, leading to his demise. Some believe Robert was murdered, while others argue he simply tripped and hit his head on a rock while strolling. Despite the uncertainty, many see this as a fitting end for a cruel man.
Following her husband's demise, Mary also found liberation. However, after years of captivity, the once-beautiful young woman had descended into madness, unable to recognize her own son.
Robert's son demolished Gaulstown House, his mother's former residence. He then erected a cozy abode for her golden years. However, Mary declined the offer and opted for a life of solitude as a nun in France until her last breath.
Robert Rochfort's ruthless deeds and Mary's tragic tale became one of the most prominent social scandals of 18th-century Ireland. Today, the walls and remnants of Earl Robert's estate still stand, drawing thousands of tourists annually.
Source: Anh Minh/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourDecember 26, 2017
