A Walk to Find Kathleen Kennedy’s Grave (Sister of JFK)

I've lived in Derbyshire, UK all my life. It's only recently, that I found out that Kathleen Kennedy, the sister of the former President of the United States, John F Kennedy, is buried in St Peter's Churchyard in the village of Edensor, Derbyshire. Most of the village is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Today, we decided to go for our #wednesdaywalk initiated by @tattoodjay to find Kathleen's grave.

We parked up at the side of the road and walked up to the church. Everywhere was covered in leaves. They looked nice but are lethal when on wet, slippery footpaths. I suppose I'm in the right place if I have a fatal accident!

Thankfully, it wasn't long before we found her grave at the top end of the churchyard.

The grave had a memorial plaque in front of it, commemorating J F Kennedy's visit to Kathleen's grave in 1963.

I found an old photo in a local newspaper, the 'Matlock Mercury' of J F Kennedy's visit.

Kathleen, nicknamed 'Kick' after her vibrant personality, was born in Massachusetts, USA in 1920. In 1944, she married William ‘Billy’ Cavendish, the Marquess of Hartington, the eldest son of the 10th Duke of Devonshire. They met during her first trip to England in 1938 when her father, Joe Kennedy was appointed US ambassador to the UK.

Her mother Rose, disapproved of their courtship for religious reasons. At the start of World War II, Kathleen's family returned to the US. She kept in contact with Billy returning later to the UK, and becoming a volunteer for the Red Cross. The above photo of Kathleen is when she was a volunteer for the Red Cross (courtesy of Matlock Mercury). Against their families wishes they married in a registry office with her brother Joe Jr. being the only Kennedy at the service.

Sadly, both her husband and brother were killed in action during the war. After a spell of mourning in the US, Kathleen returned to England as Lady Hartington.

Kathleen then met Peter Fitzwilliam who was already married and a womaniser. On the way to meet her father in France, they boarded a plane, which tragically crashed in the mountains, killing everyone. Only Kick’s father, Joseph, who was in Europe at the time, attended her funeral.

Coming away from her grave she sounded as though she was a bit of a rebel, defying her families wishes. A kick ass sort of a woman. I liked her.

Photos by @ellenripley - Julie S apart from photos courtesy of the Matkock Mercury. All rights reserved.

Available online at Matlock Mercury: Newsroom, April 2015.
https://www.matlockmercury.co.uk/sport/nostalgia/memory-lane-jfks-pilgrimage-see-his-sisters-grave-derbyshire-2229807 (Accessed 16/11/21).