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Narrative

Sir Richard and Lady Musgrave arrived in British Columbia from Ireland on June 5, 1905 and planned to spend the summer in Victoria and environs. Sir Richard was expected to spend much of the summer fishing according to The Daily Colonist (June 4, 1905 p7). Jessie stayed at Craigdarroch with their two daughters Dorothy and Joan.

Jessie Musgrave was an accomplished croquet and tennis player. She probably honed her skill at Craigdarroch where two tennis courts were situated southwest of the Castle.

This historically important and well-made object is tangible evidence that Jessie Dunsmuir maintained contact with her mother in Victoria and with British Columbia Society in the years following her 1891 marriage into British aristocracy. It is useful in telling the Dunsmuir family story and for decorating Craigdarroch’s period interiors. It was collected for these reasons. 

History of Use

This trophy cup made in Birmingham, England in 1903 by Joseph Gloster (monogrammed with the maker’s mark, “J.G”). It was likely retailed in Vancouver, B.C. that year. The cup was won by Jessie Sophia Dunsmuir (1866-1946) at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis Club croquet tournament on July 31, 1905. The Victoria Daily Colonist reported details in the August 1 edition: “CROQUET. Tournament at Vancouver. Vancouver, July 31 – (Special) The concluding handicap events in the croquet tournament were played today as follows: Ladies’ handicap singles – Mrs. Ker defeated Lady Musgrave by default, later playing and defeating Mrs. Russell and Miss Keith. In the handicap doubles, Mrs. Gravely and Miss Robertson beat Sir Richard and Lady Musgrave by default in semi finals, and were defeated by Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Ker in the finals.”

Following the win of this trophy cup in Vancouver, it was brought to Craigdarroch and then taken to Ireland to Tourin, the ancestral home of the Musgrave family at Cappoquin, co. Waterford, Ireland. It remained at Tourin until it was given to Craigdarroch Castle by their descendants in 2018. 

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V.L.T.C. OPEN SINGLES CROQUET 1905 WON BY Lady Musgrave

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