Constance Mary Barrington - Baroness Haldon

The marriage of the Hon Constance Mary Barrington (daughter of William Keppel 6th Viscount) and Lawrence Hesketth Palk took place at St Andrew's Church, Shrivenham, on 30th September 1868. At first the couple seemed to be happy and produced four children within the first few years of married life. They are recorded by the Census of 1871 living in Shrivenham House with a large entourage of household servants. However, by the end of the decade, the relationship was in trouble. Lawrence Palk had no interest in politics and his military career was most unremarkable. But he excelled at being a gentleman among the social circles of the artistocracy of London, especially the ladies. 

In 1880, Constance left the marital home and headed for Italy and Egypt, and although we don't know her exact movements, what is certain is that she did not return to her marriage. In 1882 she filed for divorce on the grounds of her husband's adultery. In March 1883, Lawrence Hesketh's father died which elevated Lawrence to the title of 2nd Baron Haldon. To prevent a scandal of divorce, Lawrence came to an amicable agreement with Constance who took up residence in Naples. 

However content she must have been in Italy, she did not loose touch with her aristocratic connections in England. We are grateful to Mr Pietro Mascolo, originally from Naples but now living in Ireland, for purchasing and thus preserving, some memorabilia once belonging to Constance Barrington. He kindly contacted Shrivenham Heritage Society and provided photos of the items he has preserved, some of which are shown in this listing. These items also show that she attended the Coronations of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in August 1902, and King George V and Queen Mary in June 1911.