Lady Tyrconnel. In the Gothic Drawing Room, now the Library, at Kiplin painted in 1833

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’re taking the time to celebrate Sarah Carpenter, who owned Kiplin Hall from 1818-1868. Born in 1799, Sarah Carpenter, Lady Tyrconnel (affectionally known in the Kiplin team as ‘Lady T’) was the daughter of Robert Crowe and inherited the estate upon his death.

Kiplin was the home of Lady Tyrconnel and her husband John Delaval Carpenter, 4th Earl of Tyrconnel whom she married in 1817. Together they lived at Kiplin for half a century. John was regarded as a ‘tenant for life’ as opposed to outright owner and would consult his wife about the running of the estate. Lord Tyrconnel died in 1853.

Lord and Lady Tyrconnel planned many improvements to the Hall, one of which was a gothic-style drawing room, which is now the library. They were also passionate about the landscape surrounding Kiplin.

Lady Tyrconnel improved the gardens to the north and east of the Hall, creating her own secluded garden. Containing coloured plants, classical stone urns and a tufa pool, it was the perfect place to enjoy nature.

Tufa rocks are a type of limestone which would be used around the outside of the pool. Tufa rocks were commonly brought back as souvenirs from the grand tours that rich people went on. Tufa pools were therefore seen as a sign of wealth and splendour.

Historic photographs of Lady-T’s garden were used as reference for the restoration.

In 1847 Lady Tyrconnel gave birth to their daughter Elizabeth who sadly died not long after she was born. This meant that there wasn’t an heir to inherit the Kiplin estate. And so, upon Lady Tyrconnel’s death in 1868, Kiplin was passed to a first cousin twice removed, Captain Walter Cecil Talbot, a naval officer. This inheritance was under the conditions that he change his surname to Carpenter, marry a Protestant and remain Protestant – his faith was tested by Anglican clergymen every seven years.

Lady Tyrconnel’s garden recently underwent restoration as part of a National Lottery Heritage Funded project. Transforming it back to its 19th century style.

Visit Kiplin Hall and Gardens to explore Lady T’s garden!

By Eliza Willis (March 2025 Student Placement in Marketing)