Flora Fitzalan-Howard, Duchess of Norfolk (née Clifton; 13 February 1854 – 11 April 1887)[1] was a British noblewoman, philanthropist, and convert to Catholicism.

[2] The Duchess of Norfolk was born in 1854 at Park Lane, Mayfair,[3] the eldest child of Charles Clifton and Lady Edith Rawdon-Hastings.

[5] The marriage between Lady Flora and the Duke of Norfolk was a grand event that was well-documented and celebrated in its time, providing a glimpse into the lives of aristocrats in England during the late 19th century.

They reported that the bride, Lady Flora, wore a magnificent white satin robe trimmed with point lace and adorned with orange blossoms, a point lace veil, a rich necklace of gems presented by the bridegroom, and a sparkling tiara of diamonds presented by her father.

[5] Following the ceremony, the bridal party retired to the sacristy and signed the marriage register, with Lord Bute, the Earl of Beaconsfield, the Marquis of Lorne, Mgr.

[2] When his death was announced at age 22, it was reported that "he had never grown up, remaining all his life a boy, with a sweet face, half-blind, blond, with almost albino-like fairness, and suffering from a general failure of nervous power."

She funded the construction of the convent and the church, and the first group of nuns, eight choir sisters and two externs, arrived in September 1886 from Notting Hill.