Is this a Ghurkha or a Chinese Vicar? - early 1900s -Ireland

[vmhp]

'Ms Fancy' is in another photo with two of the Hotel's known maids and to my mind is well over 40  and could be older. The Visitor's Book was signed A...? Studdert Bunratty Castle. I have just started chasing around to find some Studdert Family History and try to make contact with one of them. So - no idea as to family yet, Thank you, Valerie

[heywood]

I thought perhaps she may be Helen who is 52 yrs in 1901.
Daughter Alicia married in 1902 

[vmhp]

Yes, in many ways it fits even if she looks much older. And the marriage was to a military man and her family had military history. India and other places come up so maybe the 'Vicar' hails from these parts and could the buckle mean he served an officer in the military and travelled with him?
BMDs on IG - the family list residence as Bunratty. She also returned to the hotel in 1917 for another visits but still saying she is Studdert! One site lists them as divorced. Have made a couple of e mail contacts so we will see! Thank you for your interest, Valerie

[heywood]

I read that Helen’s husband was in the Navy.

[dathai]

Richard Studdert died Dec 1900
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1901/05716/4612730.pdf

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8112407

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7588313

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8114977

[vmhp]

Thanks again. I am now in touch with Sir William Arbuthnot who handles the Studdert family tree and he is asking other family members. The mystery may soon be solved!!! I will let you know, thanks, Valerie

[heywood]

That’s great!

[vmhp]

Sir William e mailed the other person I thought might be able to help. She did not know the face but I sent copies of the Visitor Book entries where the first names are unclear and I realised the second was very different. So 'Mrs Fancy' is Helen Studdert who had been widowed two years before - RN Husband- she signed the first entry in 1903. The second in 1917 was the big clue - signed Fairrie Studdert and she mentioned being there in 1903. She was Helen's daughter Jane Fairrie (grandparent's surname)! We assume the young lady in the hat 1903 is her age 22. William also e mailed two others so I do hope they are family members who may be able to tell me more. The suggestion is that the eastern chap was her escort - no doubt he came to Ireland courtesy of her husbands travels. Very many thanks to all of you - the worst photo ever! valerie

[heywood]

What a great result though