Clare Past Forum

The below link goes to a page naming "dream team" lawyers for each side in this 1804 alienation of affections case, called unique in its time. A panel of "special jurors" in Ennis was selected to determine the justness of the cause, as suitable men of the gentry to understand the circumstances. Melodrama in the rarefied air of the upper crust, an interesting diversion on a weekend.

A Report of the Trial on an Action for Damages, Brought by the Reverend Charles Massy Against the Most Noble Marquess of Headfort For Criminal Conversation with Plaintiff's Wife
by Rev. Charles Massy (Dublin, M.N. Mahon, 1804)

http://tinyurl.com/k8zek8w

Enjoy,
Sharon Carberry

What a delightful nugget, Sharon. Thanks for sharing it. The BBC could make a first class costume drama out of it. It has all the ingredients: the doting husband, the devoted wife, wealthy blackguard appears on the scene, gallops off into the night with hitherto devoted wife, thundering counsel lays down the moral law, wealthy blackguard ends up paying £10,000 plus costs for his dalliance..... Superb !

Paddy