Ellen (Stager) Butler (1865-1951)

Ellen Sprague (Stager) Butler, 4th Marchioness of Ormonde

She was brought up between Cleveland and Chicago. In 1887, she married Lord Arthur Butler, younger son of the 2nd Marquess of Ormonde. Ellen brought $1-million (£200,000) to the marriage. In 1891, they were living between 21 Park Lane in London and Sandleford Priory (see images), near Newbury. In 1909, they bought Gennings Park in Kent (see images) and leased 11 Bryanston Square in London. In 1919, Arthur succeeded his elder brother to become the 4th Marquess of Ormonde but in order to avoid double taxation passed the bulk of the family estates - notably Kilkenny Castle - to their son, George. They had four children and their youngest son who became the 6th Marquess of Ormonde sold Kilkenny Castle (seat of the Butlers since 1391) in 1967.
Contributed by Mark Meredith on 03/04/2022 and last updated on 03/04/2022.