A Forgotten Princess: Irene Duleep Singh and the Evolution of Mental Health and Law
Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7AD
The Forgotten Child:
When the tragedy of Maharaja Duleep Singh’s death in Paris on 22 October 1893 is told, the little girl nearing her fourth birthday is often forgotten—his youngest, Princess Irene Duleep Singh.
Her Birth and Lineage:
Born on 25 October 1889, Irene became the last of the legitimate Duleep Singhs, marking the end of the Sikh royal line. Her father, exiled as a child to England after surrendering the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Sikh Kingdom of Punjab to Queen Victoria, was buried at St Andrew’s Church, Elveden—beside his first wife, not Irene’s mother.
The Sisterly Contrast:
Unlike her half-sister Princess Sophia—Queen Victoria’s goddaughter and a celebrated suffragette, now commemorated with a blue plaque—Irene’s life unfolded in obscurity. Out of loyalty to the Maharaja’s first wife, Queen Victoria refused to receive Irene’s mother, Ada Wetherill of Lambeth. Though recognised as a princess and included in a government financial settlement, Irene remained a lesser-known figure.
The Centenary:
This Heritage Open Days event, held shortly after World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), marks nearly 100 years since Irene’s death by suicide in 1926. Legal disputes over her estate revealed struggles with mental illness, institutionalisation, and claims of motherhood.
By spotlighting Irene’s hidden story, the event offers space to reflect on how society’s attitudes to mental health, care, suicide, justice and the law have evolved over the past century.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- Provisional date. Exhibition 11.00-15.00. Talk times TBC.
- Saturday 13 September:
- Online Talks. Schedule to be confirmed
- Sunday 14 September:
- Online Talks. Schedule to be confirmed
- Saturday 20 September:
- Provisional date. Exhibition 11.00-15.00. Talk times TBC.
Location & directions
Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7AD
- Directions:
- Venue Information: Erasmus Darwin House (Beacon Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7AD) Located directly opposite Lichfield Cathedral in the historic Cathedral Close. Wheelchair Access available. Nearest Car Parks: Lombard Street Car Park (WS13 6DW): A short walk from the venue. Friary Inner Car Park (WS13 6QH): Approximately 5 minutes' walk. Bird Street Car Park (WS13 6PR): Close proximity to the city center. Accessible Parking: Designated disabled parking spaces are available opposite the Cathedral, near the venue entrance. Additional Parking: JustPark: Offers reservable parking spaces near Erasmus Darwin House, including options on Cherry Orchard and Friary Road. Public Transport: By Train: Lichfield City Station: Located approximately 0.8 miles from Erasmus Darwin House. By Bus: The main bus station is situated on Birmingham Road, a short walk from the venue.
- Contact on day:
- Sundeep Braich
- Telephone number:
- +447861746260
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Accessible Parking: Designated disabled parking spaces are available opposite the Cathedral, near the venue entrance. Access requirements: The museum has a lift to all floors. To avoid the steps, please access the museum via Cathedral Close and through our herb garden.
Additional information
I will be updating this directory with more information in the coming weeks.
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
