Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, Ladies of Llangollen

Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, Ladies of Llangollen

The "Ladies of Llangollen", Eleanor Charlotte Butler (May 11, 1739 - June 2, 1829) and Sarah Ponsonby (1755 - December 9, 1831), were two upper-class Irish women whose relationship scandalized and fascinated their contemporaries. They met in 1768, and quickly became close. Over the years they formulated a plan for a private rural retreat to live an unconventional life together. Putting their plan into motion, they took a tour of the Welsh countryside, eventually settling in North Wales. Living first in a rented home in the village of Llangollen, they moved in 1780 to a small cottage they called Plas Newydd (new mansion). They devoted their time to extensive correspondence, private studies, and improving their estate. After a couple of years, their life attracted the interest of the outside world. Their house became a haven for visitors traveling between Dublin and London. Queen Charlotte wanted to see their cottage and persuaded the King to grant them a pension. Eventually their families came to tolerate them. They lived together for over 50 years. Their books and glassware carried both sets of initials and their letters were jointly signed. Eleanor died in 1829 at the age of 90 and Sarah died in 1831 at the age of 76.

Album / Science Source

Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?

3368 x 4200 px | 40.5 MB

28.5 x 35.6 cm | 11.2 x 14.0 in (300 dpi)