Our first stop in Ireland was the beautiful Belvedere House and Gardens, located just outside Mullingar in County Westmeath. Set on the shores of Lough Ennell, this 18th-century estate offered a peaceful and scenic start to our journey. We explored the grand Georgian villa, wandered through the Victorian walled gardens, and strolled the woodland trails past ornate follies — including the dramatic “Jealous Wall,” Ireland’s largest man-made ruin. It was the perfect blend of nature, history, and architecture to kick off our 30-day adventure.
As you scroll through the photos from our day at Belvedere, you can follow the chilling tale of Robert Rochfort—the “Wicked Earl”—whose jealousy, cruelty, and obsession shaped the estate’s dark legacy. Each image is paired with a caption that reveals part of this haunting story.
In the lush countryside of Westmeath stood Belvedere House, the stage for one of Ireland’s most tragic aristocratic tales.Robert Rochfort, born in 1708, was heir to wealth and title—soon to become the 1st Earl of Belvedere.Ambitious and powerful, Robert rose quickly in Irish society and gained a seat in Parliament.In 1736, he married Mary Molesworth, a charming and educated 16-year-old from a noble family.Their early marriage was joyful, filled with elegant dances, portraits, and poetry.But Robert grew jealous and suspicious, especially of his own brothers, George and Arthur.He accused Mary of having an affair with Arthur—though there was no clear evidence.In a fit of rage, Robert locked Mary in their home at Gaulstown House.She was held under strict guard, servants forbidden to speak to her.Her children were barred from visiting. She was utterly alone.For 31 years, Mary lived in isolation, denied any comfort or freedom.Her world shrank to four walls, where time and memory blurred.Meanwhile, Robert sued his brother Arthur for adultery—a charge known as "criminal conversation."Arthur couldn’t pay the enormous fine and was imprisoned in Dublin.He remained in debtor’s prison until his death, leaving his family destitute.Robert, with his wealth intact, commissioned Belvedere House in 1740 as a display of power.Its Rococo ceilings and grand design reflected his taste—and ego.His brother George later built a larger home, Tudenham Park, nearby. Furious at being overshadowed, Robert ordered the construction of the "Jealous Wall."It was a massive fake ruin, built solely to block the view of George’s estate.The wall still stands as Ireland’s largest folly, born from envy and spite.Robert spent his later years in opulence, while Mary remained confined in obscurity.In 1774, Robert died suddenly—some say mysteriously—while walking the grounds.With Robert gone, his son George freed Mary after 31 long years.But freedom came too late—Mary was broken, frail, and confused.She no longer recognized her children and spoke to paintings as if they were friends.Eventually, she moved to France, where she entered a convent.Belvedere House changed hands, its beauty masking its cruel history.The Jealous Wall became a symbol of vanity, pain, and obsession.Today, visitors stroll the gardens, unaware of the tragedy that once unfolded here.But if you listen closely, the story of the Wicked Earl and the imprisoned Lady still whispers in the stones.
