b. 1 September 1789. d. 4 June 1849. Nationality: Irish. VIAF.
Author, poet, editor, and salon hostess. Née “Power.” Aunt of writers Marguerite Agnes
Power and Ellen 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* (1832-1833). Biographical information: *ODNB*. (SP, AC)