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M O O R E A B B E Y
C O U N T Y K I L D A R E , I R E L A N D
T h e R i g h t H o n o u r a b l e T h e E a r l o f D r o g h e d a
A fine example of early 18th century architecture, Moore Abbey stands behind
massive defensive gates in County Kildare. The threatening appearance is
softened by a formal pattern of garden, urns and hedges, centring statues and
fountains. The 11th and present Earl of Drogheda has forsaken the warlike
calling of his ancestors and their rebellious relations. He achieved distinction in a
very differing sphere having been Managing Director of the prestigious Financial
Times newspaper and famously effective Chairman of the Royal Opera House
in Covent Garden for nearly twenty years, as well as being a former Chairman
of the Royal Ballet School. With Belgian and Italian decorations Lord Drogheda
is also a Knight of the British Empire and Chevalier of the French Legion of
Honour. He is, moreover, one of the 24 Knights of the Garter, the senior and
most illustrious Order in the United Kingdom, whose members are appointed
by Her Majesty the Queen herself. Lord Drogheda has an intense understanding
of the 20th century art and is Trustee of the British museum, while his Countess
has been, for many years, a superb concert pianist.
