Ballitore is gearing up for several events on June 27 planned to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of Mary Leadbeater, née Shackleton.

Mary Leadbeater (December 1758 – 27 June 1826) was an Irish Quaker author and diarist who lived most of her life in the planned Quaker settlement of Ballitore, County Kildare. Her work the “Annals of Ballitore” is widely seen by scholars, academics and historians as being historically and culturally important.  Mary Leadbeater was related to the well known explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. She is buried in the Quaker Burial Ground at Ballitore.

On June 27, the Ballitore Burial Ground Restoration Group will be erecting an information sign indicating the location of Mary Leadbeater’s grave. The unveiling of the sign will take place at 1pm. The group is also offering local schools and youth organisations an opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the Burial Ground before or after this event. To book a tour of the Burial ground text Quaker to 0872421249 .

There will also be a launch of the 200th commemorative edition of the “Annals of Ballitore” in the Ballitore Community Library and Quaker Museum at 2.00pm. The launch will feature an address by John McKenna, the well known author and playwright and expert on Mary Leadbeater.

Following the book launch, there will be an exhibition of contemporary art and crafts reflecting on the life of Mary Leadbeater at the Quaker Meeting House. This exhibition is hosted by The Thread Shed, a group of dedicated crafters who meet fortnightly at the Meeting House, and they will be providing tea and refreshments. Vintage dress (any era!) is encouraged with a prize for the best effort!

To help you find these events, the eircode for the Burial Ground is R14AK76, the eircode for the Ballitore Library is R14FP78, and the eircode for the Quaker Meeting House R14A212.

You can help spread the word using this flyer.