Henry Loftus, 1st Earl of Ely

During a celebrated hearing into his nephew's mental capacity, Loftus testified that the young man was of normal intelligence.

Loftus was created Earl of Ely (second creation) in 1771 and was appointed a Knight Founder of the Order of St Patrick on 11 March 1783.

Frances was a leading figure in Dublin society who wielded some political influence, and was a much stronger character than her ineffectual husband, whom she seems to have dominated completely.

Dolly Monroe was one of the greatest beauties of the age, whose admirers included Henry Grattan and Oliver Goldsmith.

He had no issue by either marriage and at his death, his estates passed to his nephew Charles Loftus, 1st Marquess of Ely, the son of his sister Elizabeth and Sir John Tottenham, 1st Baronet.