Ponsonby, Sarah, 1754 or 1755-1831

Sarah Ponsonby was the orphaned daughter of Chambre Brabazon Ponsonby. She lived an unhappy life with relatives in Woodstock, Ireland. She met Lady Eleanor Butler in 1768. Since both women shared a mutual love of the arts, and were both unhappy with their lives, they decided to live a quiet rural life. They left Ireland and they set up home in "Plas Newydd", in Llangollen, North East Wales, in 1780. Because they led an unusual and secluded life, Ponsonby and Buttler became known as the LADIES OF LLANGOLLEN. Their relationship scandalized and fascinated their contemporaries, and they became famous all over Great Britain, and eventually, their life attracted the interest of the outside world. Their new Gothic residence became a magnet for writers, intellectuals, and artists such as the poets Robert Southey, Wordsworth and Shelley, Lord Byron and Sir Walter Scott but also the Duke of Wellington, Caroline Lamb and Josiah Wedgwood. Ponsonby and Butler lived together for the rest of their lives, over 50 years.

From the description of Sarah Ponsonby collection, 1801-1822. (Peking University Library). WorldCat record id: 156043637

Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler were a famous lesbian couple living in Wales.

From the description of Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby autograph letter, 1826. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 64757610