Syngefield House by David Haslam

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27-MAY-2007	David Haslam

Syngefield House

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Built by the Synge family in the mid 18th century. Part of the building to the right of the door was taken down after a fire and this is now being rebuilt. The original house had 26 rooms.

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Guest		05-Nov-2023 10:54
If Edward Synge or his descendants are still about, can you please get in touch with me . My thanks D.Christie (contact details above )

Margaret		14-Jan-2018 22:07
Mr. Fayle, I am also a descendent of the Richard Upton (and Johanna Reardon Upton) you mentioned in your post. My sister and I are researching our Upton family descendants. Unfortunately we have nothing much about Richard Upton and his wife Johanna Reardon. If you wish to contact me via e-mail perhaps we may be able to share any information/insights we may have to assist in this endeavor. You may e-mail me at margaretmahlum@prodigy.net

Hazel Hornibrook		29-Oct-2016 16:20
Lilian Synge & her siblings are my 4th cousins once removed. Our ties go back to the Welshs - My great great great grandfather was Henry Pierce Welsh, brother of Robert Welsh. Robert Welsh's daughter, Mary Helena married Edward Synge (1786-1843). I have included all the Synges & descendants in my ancestry family tree. I am stalled with Lilian & her siblings. I do not have death dates, places & descendants of those siblings. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My family tree, called Hornibrook 2015 is on ancestry. My email address is hazeys@hotmail.ca

Trevmitch		06-Jul-2014 14:49
Hi All, My email address is tcfm4@btinternet.com should any one wish to make contact. Many Thanks. Trevor Mitchell.

David Christie		19-Apr-2014 18:15
With ref to Joseph Heskin's comment and Trevor Mitchell's point earlier , my Great Grandfather (Sir Francis Robert Millington Synge ) returned to IRL at the beginning of the 20th century , retiring from the British army , but not before being given the honour of 'taking the salute' for Queen Vic 's jubilee in Singapore. His wife , Frances , had six children , one being Lilian (younger sister to my Grandmother Helen) . The Mitchell's ( Lilian married into ) lived at Walcot House in Birr ,Co.Offaly . My father , Robert Christie (only son of Helen) spent much of his school holidays with his Aunt Lilian at Walcot . This was because his own father died when Robert was only 6 1/2 years old. This was in the mid 1920's , Sir Francis of Syngefield , Birr , had already died in 1924.

Nancy Vollmer		23-Sep-2013 23:10
Does anyone have information on Ralph M Fayle born 1832, Waterford, Ireland, son of Samuel Watson Fayle born 1786, Rathangan, Kildare, Ireland?

Joseph Heskin		31-Jul-2013 10:28
Hi, I'm researching the Synge-Mitchell connection. I am related to the Mitchells who were County solicitors in Birr, and James Daniel Mitchell married Lilian Synge dau. of Sir Francis (6th Bt.) We have several papers associated with the Mitchell and Synge families dating from 1600's and early 1900's. Anyone have anymore info on this couple and the Mitchells?

David Millington Christie		26-Jan-2013 17:07
Trevor, interesting to read your piece about your grandfather , I think my grandfather Arhie Christie may have worked with him in Birr as a solicitor ! My grandfather ( married to Frances Synge of Syngefield, eldest daughter of Sir Francis Synge ) died in the early 1920's following the death of maybe your grandfather , (who I think may have been shot during the civil war in Ireland at that time. Archie Christie , I am told , died of pneumonia within weeks of the funeral your Grandfather . His older brother , David Christie ( my great uncle) was a well known barrister in Dublin . My e.mail address is davidchristie59@gmail.com. David Christie

Trevmitch		25-Jul-2012 20:18
Having found this web page, my granny was Lilian Synge who married my grandfather James Mitchell solicitors within Birr. They lived at Walcot house which I visited which is now a guest house. My name is Trevor Campbell Fitzroy Mitchell, Lilian being my fathers mother

David Christie		24-Apr-2012 22:57
Interesting to read the entries . My Grandmother was Lady Frances Millicent Synge (died 1953) , daughter of Sir Francis Millington Synge 6th Baronet. I undertand from my father (only son of Frances) that they were the last to live at Syngefield . Yes it was rented out whilst my Great Grandfather was serving as an army officer in the East. The title went to his son (the 7th) who sadly died in north Devon during the war having lost his estate due to a badly written will. I believe the 8th Baronet resides in Canada , my father met him about ten years ago , he has no children. I am therefore the closest to inheriting the title if he predeceases me , not v likely as I have a diff. name David Millington Christie. John Millington Synge (the playwright) was descended from the Wicklow branch and not Syngefield line, so cousins. Synge is a very old English name bestowed on a young chorister by Henry 8th as he thought his voice exceptional, before this it was Millington and before that Mulleton (a Norman Knight ) They lived then at Millington Hall (which still stands outside Manchester. Sir Hugh Mulleton , & now you are back to the 1100`s ! I sign off my ramble , David Christie

Edward Synge		04-Apr-2012 21:26
If it helps we,the Synge Family let this property in about 1870 and moved to another home in Cork called Lislee Court. It no longer exists!

Nancy Vollmer		03-Nov-2010 19:33
This site is very interesting. I am a Fayle from Tabusintac, N.B. Canada and am trying to find the connection to ancestors who immigrated from Ireland to New Brunswick. If any one has info on this, I'd appreciate to hear it. My great, great, great Granfather was Ralph Fayle.

Rosalind		19-Oct-2010 16:20
Hello, Have just come across this website, David and was hoping to shed some light on the emphatic statement by my Swedish friend that the writer JM Synge had lived there! We'd never heard that so I reckoned she'd been spun a yarn by the estate agent when she had been shown around in 2001. Do you know id there was any family connection? With good wishes, Rosalind

Christen Sing		27-Apr-2010 01:06
Hi everyone, I have stumbled across this during my family research. If anyone has info on the Synge/Sing Family, I would love it. We don't know much about where we came from, but not many Sings are in the US. I would love any info on when the family came to the States. I appreciate any information, thank you!~Christen Sing

Fin O Sullivan		18-Apr-2010 15:47
Hi,Hoping someone can throw a bit of light on the story of Syngefield House and the connection with the Bracken family, for years my grandmother would be telling me stories about herself and her husband and how they spent holidays with the in laws who owned part of the Syngefield estate, sadly that lady passed away, however my mother is now talking about happy holidays with her grand parents who owned the "big" house in Syngefield, she has vivid memories of the large gates being opened by the lodge keeper, driving up the long avenue to be greeted by her grand parents,the Bracken family had been there since the start of the 1900's, the Bracken's had 4 children while living at the Syngefield estate, Jim, John, Edward (Ned) and Patricia, the impression I got from my mother was that there was a second house associated with the main house which was owned by the Bracken family, All insights welcomed, Thank you, Fin.

Joan D'Arcy		06-Mar-2010 12:25
Who is NIcholas Synge shadwell? where did he come from, I am researching the Shadwell family and have reached a brick wall and I am cliutching at straws really. hope someone can tell me where he come rom and who his parents were,

maddie		27-Jan-2010 21:33
hi grampa

David Fayle		08-Oct-2008 19:45
In reference to David Haslam's 02 Jun 2007 comment, the last Fayle owner of the shop was William Knott (jnr), not Benjamin (Jr). Benjamin William Fayle (and family) rented Syngefield from the Synges from possibly as early as 1870 to about 1905. Before that they were at Boveen and after at Moorpark.The family were Quakers but became Methodists. Iam a grandson of W.K. Fayle (Jr) and am another David Fayle but not the previous commentator who is Australian. I am in Canada.

Beatrice		11-Sep-2008 11:05
Hi David I have also found this quote online: “The Irish burnt Clonoghill in 1642, and signs of the ruins may still be found in Syngefield demesne, at present in the occupation of Benjamin W. Fayle, J.P” Extract from John Wright — Offaly one hundred years ago — reprint of King's County Directory, 1890http://www.offalyhistory.com/articles/148/1/Birr-or-Parsonstown/Page1.html This implies that he only lived there but did not own the property (probably rented from an absentee landlord). Interesting that it is also described as a “demesne” not a house. Wikipedia explains the meaning here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demesne

Guest		14-Jul-2008 18:44
I am Roger Knott-Fayle, and as far as I know this house is where we came from and moved to Bristol god knows how many hundred years ago. I have heard about this place, and I have even been to Birr and cisited the Knott-Fayle ironmogory. If you are interested in Knott-Fayle / Fayle family stuff my sister Geg Fayle can be googled (or similar) and you can view a family tree.

EDWARD SYNGE		15-Jun-2008 06:48
To David Haslam,if it isn't an impertinence to ask is there any chance of an updated photo.I will happily pay.Only I may not be over this year and long to see the progress.Thankyou.

Declan Barron		07-Mar-2008 20:22
Hi, I am trying to find where Nicholas Synge Shadwell (b. circa 1750) fits into the Synge tree. He must be a descendant of Edward Synge (1659 -1741) who m. Jane dau. of Rev. Nicholas Proud of Cork. I have a copy of 'The Family of Synge or Sing: Pedigree tables of families bearing the above name and notes . . . dealing chiefly with the family of Synge or Sing,of Bridgnorth, in Shropshire, and its Branches in Ireland, America, .....' by Synge, Katherine Charlotte S.W.A. (Southampton circa 1937), if anyone needs a lookup ?

EDWARD SYNGE		30-Nov-2007 23:34
mY E-MAIL IS edwardsynge@btinternet.com

EDWARD SYNGE		30-Nov-2007 23:30
This really is becoming a fascinating site If members of the Synge family want any info do contact me at this e-mail address.I own one portrait of ANNA FOLLETT SYNGE (1790-1844).I sold the origional of ARCHBISHOP EDWARD SYNGE (Nicholas's father) to Lanto Synge who is MD of Mallets in Bond St,London.He still has a house near Glanmore Castle where JM Synge's father was born.The "black book" is the key to all the family history and was researched by 3 ladies at the end of the 19th century.They took twenty years and got back to 1133 AD and one Hugh de Mulneton. Millington is still a hamlet in Cheshire.Much more info available.

Alexandra Budd		24-Nov-2007 16:28
I am also directly descended from Nicholas Synge and the Synge-Hutchinson branch through his son Edward and down through Sir Robert Synge 1st Baronet to Sir Edward 3rd Bt etc. I would be very interested to be in contact with anyone related to the family as I am working towards a genealogy qualification.I am also trying to ascertain whether Lislee Court,(Cork) home of Sir Edward Synge is still standing. I'm delighted to have found this great website with such evocative pictures of the house. Email alex[AT]jbudd[DOT]orangehome[DOT]co[DOT]uk

BL Williams		23-Nov-2007 20:07
My wife is one of the few remaining descendents of the Synge-Hutchinson branch of the family, descended from Nicholas Synge, the builder of Syngefield. We first saw the house when it was auctioned to Mr. Dempsey. Although at that time we were in no position to buy it ourselves, but are very glad that it is now being restored. We have in our collection a portrait of Barbara Synge (d.1712) thought to have come from the house. I am currently researching a book on the Synge-Hutchinson branch of the family and would be very interested in any potential leads. The 'book of Synge' mentions 'a number of family portraits' in Syngefield house c1930. Does anyone know what became of them? B L Williams It is so nice to see the house being restored.

Noel Dempsey		17-Nov-2007 11:14
Ive just been informed about this website, I think its fantastic what you are doing. Im hoping to update the photo's shortly. Anyone interested in visiting the house are more then welcome.

Alex Budd		16-Nov-2007 19:45
My great, great, great grandfather was Sir Edward Synge, 3rd Bt (b 1809). I would be very interested to find out if he had any links with this house?

EDWARD SYNGE		14-Oct-2007 07:36
is there any chance of an updated photo?I would so appreciate Mr Dempsey contacting me as i am giving a lunch at end of nov and many syngefield descendents will be there.he would be welcome.

Sam Botfield		07-Sep-2007 21:44
The builders restoring / modernising / extending Syngefield reported in August 2007 that they found no significant foundations to the right hand end of the house as you see it in the photo above. They and the Irish Heritage organisation overseeing them surmise that the Synge family originally built the house to the extent of the two visible chimney stacks, then later added the left hand extension but could not afford the matching construction to the right. So no 'fire'. The dilapidation the owner Noel Dempsey is bravely overcoming was partly due to County Offaly allowing the local fire brigade to use Syngefield for practice fire fighting! Sam Botfield, married to a Synge descendant.

Edward Synge		22-Aug-2007 11:25
So good to see it being restored.Good luck.Edward Synge

David Haslam		02-Jun-2007 21:46
The only Fayles in Birr in the mid 1900s were two miss Fayles who lived in Moorpark. One memory of them was that as Methodists they did not take alcohol but did not impose this restriction on guests. The dinner table was set with six glasses in order from sherry to port and all six drinks were offered. These sisters were probably born around about 1880, possibly grandchildren of Benjamin. There are memorials in the Methodist church here which gives the family details. In the mid 1900s Syngefield House was rented as apartments. The shop was run by a manager for many years and it is his relatives who now run the business. The previous owners of the shop were William Knott Fayle, then Benjamin Fayle followed by Benjamin Fayle junior.

David Fayle again		02-Jun-2007 13:35
I believe I can answer my own question: In 1889, there was only one Parsonstoun ratepayer listed at Syngefield: BW Fayle. [Source: Offaly One Hundred Years Ago. John Wright. Esker Press 1989]. The BW Fayle was my relative Benjamin William Fayle (1823-1907) who had married Elizabeth (Leech) in 1854. You have another nice photo of relevance - the old ironmongery shop WK Fayles (Benjamin's father William Knott Fayle, whose motto was allegedly "I will not fail" ...)

David Fayle		02-Jun-2007 09:51
David Do you happen to know whether the Fayle family of "Syngefield" owned THIS house (which we visited from Australia in 1983 - equally delapidated then!)? Other members of this family owned the house now known as the County Arms Hotel, and this branch was the one that had a proper coat of arms. I would be very interested to track down any extant records, as we believe that (coincidentally) my wife's direct ancestor Richard Upton may have been the gardener here in the 1850s - two or three of his children were born at "Syngefield", and we understand that he also worked for the Earl of Rosse (not sure whether before or after, but probably after Syngefield). My concern is that "Syngefield" may have been more than just this estate. Any insights welcome. Email - df [AT] bioaccent [DOT] com [DOT] au

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