Lancelot Joseph Moore Studholme

Lancelot was the only son of Joseph, who owned Ballyegan Estate, Kings County and his wife Mary.  He was educated at Banstead Hall, Surrey, then Uppingham and finally Christ Church, Oxford. He had a lifelong interest in gardening and won many prizes. After the death of his father in 1904, Lancelot took over his estate and became a Justice of the Peace for King's County. He later filled the office of High Sheriff in 1909.  On the outbreak of the Great War, Lancelot joined the Leinster Regiment as a private and was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, finally to Captain.  He returned home for a brief period in January 1915 and visited the local school in Ballyegan where he gave the children sweets and gifts. This school had been endowed by the Studholme family to the parish. He was noted for his kindness and generosity. His final act of generosity was when he gave his life to assist his batman at the Battle of the Somme in September 1916. The batman who was named Harte and  had previously worked on his estate in Ballyegan was wounded by a bullet. Lancelot stopped to assist him and was killed himself by machine gun fire. He left significant contributions to charity in his will including the following:-

To the Select Vestry of the United Parishes of Ettagh and Kilcolman  £100,  To the City of Dublin Hospital  £200, Kings County Protestant Orphan Society £50 and Birr Jubilee Nurses' Fund £100.

Lancelot has no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France.  

A brass plaque commemorating Lancelot was erected in Cree Church, Kilcolman by the parishioners and Rector of Kilcolman, "who mourn the loss of a true friend and parishoner, a valued member of our synod and council and a devoted churchwarden for many years, during which he was a generous donor to both Parish Churches and School".  (See attached photograph) This plaque was moved to Saint Brendan's Church, Birr when Cree Church was deconsecrated.  There were also commemorative stained glass windows in St. Mark's Church Ettagh to the Studholme family, one being in memory of Captain Lancelot.  These were removed and partially destroyed when St. Mark's was deconsecrated and the figures were placed in new windows in Aghancon Church.  

With thanks for all the information and photographs received from Stephen Callaghan, whose more detailed article about Captain Studholme is published by Offaly History Society.  

#Chronicles Challenge  Margaret Hensey