The History of Burgage

Welcome to a fascinating story! The history of Burgage is long and interesting from when it was built in 1770 by Rev Edward Vigors to the present day.

Rev Edwards came from a family of French Huguenot extraction and was educated in Trinity College, Dublin. When you visit Old Leighlin Cathederal you will learn he was curate there in 1773 until 1797.

For the architecturally obsessed amongst you Burgage is a three bay two-storey over part-raised basement with dormer attic. Interestingly, in 1800 the house was extended to include the bow-windowed Drawing Room with river views. The interior of Burgage retains many original features including lugged architraves, cornices, and timber staircases.  Within the house stands the stained glass coat of arms of the Vigors family.

The Vigors Family

The Vigors family pursued careers in the Church, Army, and Colonial service. Anybody with an interest in history will be amused by their sometimes colourful lives! In 1880 and 1881 two sisters were born at Burgage and one became the mother of Sir Wilfred Thesiger.

Sir Wilfred was a famous explorer and writer who is best known for his travelogue, ‘Arabian Sands’. His first cousin was the Osteopath Stephen Ward, a central figure in the 1963 Profumo affair. This affair would eventually bring down the Conservative government, and was a scandal at the time.

When you visit Burgage you will admire the bow window from the back lawn. From this window there is a beautiful view over the River Barrow with Mount Leinster in the distance. This view is reputed to be the inspiration for the famous hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful” written by Fanny Alexander during a visit to the house in the summer of 1848.

Situated on the lands at Burgage is the Dinn Righ. This is an ancient and massive man-made moat on top of which was a wooden fortress where the Kings of Leinster held court.  You can visit this and explore it as it is just on the farm edge and is a protected structure.

If you want to read more about Burgage & Carlow’s history in general you can find out more here https://carlowhistorical.com/
If you think you would like to come and stay please see our rates and booking page here https://www.themews.ie/rates/