Caroline, Countess of Dunraven (C.1790-1870)
Benefactor and employer in Clearwell
Caroline was born Caroline Wyndham at Clearwell court, she married Henry Windhan Quin of Adare; eventually becoming the Wyndham-Quin family.
Benefactor of Clearwell in the Forest of Dean, she inherited the Clearwell Estate in 1810. She moved to Clearwell once again in 1850 and financed the building of St Peter's Church, the mortuary chapel, repair to the 14th century cross, work at the local school, the building of the cottage hospital and a new frontal on St Anne's well; all at Clearwell.
Caroline employed many workers for her estates and iron mines. She relieved the impoverished villagers, treating them with respect and understanding, and paid her employees a decent wage. She built a parsonage house and schools and she made the tithing of Clearwell a new parish and endowed it.
Local Historian, John Belcher says:
“Caroline, Countess of Dunraven lived in the Forest of Dean, and was a member of the historic Wyndam family. The Clearwell church ‘chapel of ease’ in the cemetery is a perfect example of a ‘French Gothic’ Church, currently being restored. Significantly, the cemetery is still open for burials; and local families from Clearwell and Sling have relatives buried there.”