Lady Adelaide Jane Frances Forbes

Lady Maurice FitzGerald, born Lady Adelaide Jane Frances Forbes (1860 – 18 November 1942), was an active member of the Wexford community, supporting children's welfare. She and her husband were the last people to reside in Johnstown Castle; after her death it became part of an agricultural college. Throughout her adult life she actively participated and led efforts to help the poor, those needing medical care, abused animals, and more.

Personal life

Born Lady Adelaide Jane Frances Forbes, she was the eldest daughter of George Arthur Hastings Forbes, 7th Earl of Granard, and the Countess of Granard (née Jane Colclough Grogan Morgan of Johnstown Castle). She was born at Castle Forbes, Newtownforbes, County Longford, in 1860. Her sister Sarah married Sir Henry Grattan-Bellew, becoming Lady Grattan-Bellew, and lived at Castle Forbes. The 8th Earl of Granard was her half-brother. They required and received a dispensation from the Pope (Leo XIII) because Lady Adelaide was Roman Catholic and Lord Maurice was a Protestant. They agreed to raise their children as Catholics. His brother, Lord Arthur Fitzgerald, along with Lady Maurice, were appointed guardians of their children. Her first cousin Ronald Forbes helped her manage Johnstown Castle.

Her daughter Kathleen died in 1930. She left an unsettled estate. Following her death, Lady Maurice's grandson, Maurice Victor Lakin, handed over the Johnstown Castle estate to the Irish State in lieu of death duties to be used an agricultural college.