edgeworthstown

Edgeworthstown/(Mostrim) is a successful centre located on the N4. The town has a long association with the celebrated family of Edgeworth, who first settled here in 1583. The story of the Edgeworths is almost as entertaining as that of "Arabian Nights". Among the eminent members of the family were Richard Lovell Edgeworth, inventor and surveyor, "The Ingenious Mr. Edgeworth", Desmond Clarke has entitled him in his fine biography. Of his twenty four children, Maria the novelist is best known for work such as "Castle Rackrent". Edgeworthstown House formed the centre of the cultivated Edgeworth circle which included the Pakenham, Earls of Longford and the Lefroys, Chief Justices of Ireland. Maria was a friend of Sir Walter Scott, and it is said that her influence on his "Waverly" was considerable. In his preface to the work Sir Walter stated: "I feel that something might be attempted for my own country of the same kind as that which Miss Edgeworth so fortunately achieved for Ireland".