The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-04-10 00:00:00

THE SUICIDE OF LORD CLONCURRY.

The Freeman's Journal gives the following particnlars of
the suicide of Lord Cloncurry, which occurred on Saturday
last, at his residence, Lyons Castle, County Kildare:—
It is with sorrow we announce that Lord Cloncurry
who, we understand, has been for a considerable
period suffering under mental disease, terminated his
existence at about five o'clock last Saturday evening,
at his residence, Lyons, Haztehatch. It appears that
the eccentricities for which his lordship hail been, for
a considerable period remarkable, latterly settled into
a complete desire to deprive himself of life. The first
occasion upon which this became evident was on the
day of the last general meeting of the directors and
shareholders of the Great Southern and Western
Railway. On that day, it is stated, that as a brother
director was driving to the King's-bridge Terminus to
attend the meeting he observed his lordship apparently
making an effort to cross the river wall at Usher's
Island, with, it is supposed, the intent of throw-
ing himself into the river. The gentleman, who
observed his lordship, alighted from his carriage, into
which he induced the deceased nobleman to enter, and
he brought him to the terminus. There his conduct
was so indicative of insanity that it was deemed ad-
visable to have his lordship placed under restraint until
a vehicle was procured, in which he was conveyed to
Lyons, in charge of the head porter of the terminus,
Mr. Cisiney. Measures were subsequently taken to
ensure the safety of his lordship, Dr. Banks having
been called in to advise as to the restoration cf his
mental health. That eminent gentleman subjected
him to the required revime, and also appointed a
medical gentleman who was to be in constant attend-
ance on his lordship.

At about half-past four o'clock on Saturday his
medical attendant decided that he might take a short
drive. A car was prepared aild in waiting, and at
aliont five o'clock Lord Cloncurry came down from his
dressing-room, and was about gettinir on the car when
he made some pretext for returningto Isis room, stating
that he would not remain a moment, linfottanately
he was allowed to do so, and in a very few seconds he
WAR seen to precipitate himself from the wind .sv of
his room, which is at an elevation of forty feet from
the ground. Death was not inst.ntameous ; and on
being removed to his chamber his lordship was hound
to be still alive, but unconscious, and in this lament-
able state he remained for an hour, when be expired.
There were not many mat ks of external injuries, and
the cause of death appears to have been interuaL

The sad event has created considerable grief in the
neighbourhood, as his lordship was a constant resident,
and devoted much of his time, whilst in health, to
agricultural affairs.
The deceased Edward Lawless, third Baron Clon-
curry of Cloncurry, county Kildare, in the peerage of
Ireland, and Baron Cloncurry in the peerage of the
United Kingdom, and an Irish baronet (creation 1776),
was born 13th September, 1616, and married, 17th

September, 1539, Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr. John
Kirwan, of Castle Racket, county Galway, by whom
he leaves issue a numen me family. He succeeded to
the title on the death of his father, Valentine Browne,
second baron, in October, 1853, said is now suc-
ceeded by his eldest son. Valentine, burn 2nd Nov.,
1840. The present peer was educated at Eton and
College, Oxford, where he gri.duated B.A. in
1861.

At the inquest held on Monday, the Jury found that
he met his death by falling from a window of Lyons
Caetle on the 3rd of April, he being at the time of un-
sound mind, and unaccountable fur his acts.