Join us for an intriguing look at the parallels between Allington Castle in Kent, UK, and Rathfarnham Castle and their respective owners.

In the mid to late 16th century Rathfarnham Castle and Allington Castle in Kent, England were inhabited by two English landowning politicians - Adam Loftus at Rathfarnham and Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger at Allington.

The two castles and the two men have interesting parallels. Both their lives were decisively influenced by the two Tudor, sister queens – Elizabeth and Mary, in significantly contrasting ways. Adam Loftus at Rathfarnham made his fortune as a result of his interaction with Elizabeth, whilst Thomas Wyatt at Allington lost his head as a result of his involvement with Mary – both following rebellions. The castles were even similarly owned by Catholic religious orders in the 20th century.

This talk will trace the lives of these two men in the two respective buildings and the outcome of their involvement with the the two queens in the two kingdoms of Ireland and England.

Images -
Allington Castle: Public Domain
Rathfarnham Castle: Aidona Photography