Armagh, Armagh Agricultural Society, a silver award medal by I. Parkes, seated female holding wreath over head of standing farmer, plough at left and sheaf of wheat at right, tree behind, rev. named (To Sir George K. Molyneux, Bart, Castle Dillon, 1845), 51mm. Trifling surface mark in centre of reverse, otherwise extremely fine and attractively toned, very rare (£200-250)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Irish Medals in Gold and Silver from the Collection of James Spencer.

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George King Aldecron (1813-48) married Emma Green (1814-74), daughter of Thomas Molyneux, 5th Bt, in 1837, and succeeded to the baronetcy in 1841. The Armagh Guardian, 31 December 1844, reports “Sir George and Lady Molyneux, of Castle Dillon, with their usual benevolence, remembered the poor at Christmas. Sir George gave a large bullock, and his worthy lady distributed upwards of 40 flannel petticoats, besides other articles of clothing to the paupers of the neighbourhood.” In 1845 he built the present-day Castle Dillon and the previous family seat was demolished; today the Molyneux house is a private nursing home. Molyneux died at the young age of 35