b. 1 September 1789. d. 4 June 1849. Nationality: Irish. VIAF.
Author, poet, editor, and salon hostess. Née “Power.” Aunt of writer Marguerite Agnes
Power. Became editor of *The Keepsake* in 1841. Forced by her parents to marry Captain
Maurice St. Leger Farmer when she was fourteen, but their relationship ended after
her husband moved to India. Married Charles John Gardiner (1st earl of Blessington)
on 16 February 1818, following her husband’s death. Closely connected with major literary
figures including Thomas Moore, Charles Dickens, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, and William
Jerdan. Close friends with Lord Byron, a friendship she documented in *Journal of
Conversations with Lord Byron* and first published in instalments in the *New Monthly*
from 1832-1833. Biographical information: *ODNB*. (SP)