Girouard Family Genealogy & History

Mark Girouard (1931–2022) was a distinguished British architectural historian renowned for his expertise in country houses as well as Elizabethan and Victorian architecture. He contributed significantly to the field through his work at Country Life magazine, eventually becoming its architectural editor. His renowned book, "Life in the English Country House," won prestigious awards, including the Duff Cooper Memorial Prize and the WH Smith Literary Award. Girouard was also a Slade Professor of Fine Art and a Fellow of both the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Royal Society of Literature. His photographs are held in the Conway Library, showcasing his lasting impact on architectural history.

Mark Girouard was the grandson of Henry Beresford, 6th Marquess of Waterford, through his mother, Lady Blanche Girouard. He also had ancestral ties to Saul Solomon, a liberal politician in Cape Colony, and Georgiana Solomon, a social activist. Girouard's lineage includes connections to Edward Solomon, who worked extensively in South Africa with the Griquas and Basutos for the London Missionary Society. These familial links highlight a rich heritage deeply rooted in historical and social contributions.

Yvette Girouard, a renowned American softball coach, is celebrated for her impressive career at Southwestern Louisiana (1981-2000) and LSU (2001-2011). Girouard's tenure at Southwestern Louisiana included a 759–250 record and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, with notable finishes in the Women's College World Series. At LSU, she achieved a 526-171-1 record, leading the team to several SEC and NCAA successes. Her distinguished coaching earned her numerous accolades, including National Fastpitch Coaches Association National Coach of the Year in 1990 and 1993 and multiple Louisiana Coach of the Year awards. Girouard's legacy is cemented with her induction into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2005.

Sir Édouard Percy Cranwill Girouard was a prominent Canadian railway builder and British industrialist, known for his pivotal role as High Commissioner of Northern Nigeria and the East Africa Protectorate. Born in 1867, Girouard's engineering prowess was recognized early when he became the first Roman Catholic to graduate with an engineering degree from the Royal Military College of Canada. His work on the Sudan Military Railroad under Kitchener during the Dongola Expedition earned acclaim, particularly from Winston Churchill, highlighting his extraordinary capability and impact on the British Empire's expansion.

Percy Girouard was born to Désiré Girouard, a wealthy French-Canadian lawyer who served as a Conservative MP and Supreme Court justice, and Essie Cranwill, an Irish immigrant. Raised in Montreal, Quebec, he diverged from the traditional educational path of the French-Canadian elite, attending English-speaking institutions instead. This background provided a unique blend of cultural influences shaping his future endeavors across the British Empire.

Gilbert Anselme Girouard was a prominent political figure and general merchant in New Brunswick, Canada. Born on October 26, 1846, in Ste-Marie de Buctouche, Girouard served as a Liberal-Conservative member of the House of Commons of Canada, representing Kent from 1878 to 1883. His career highlights include transitioning from teaching to becoming a successful merchant in Buctouche in 1870. In 1883, he resigned from the House of Commons to become the customs collector for Richibucto, showcasing his versatile career in public service. Girouard's life was cut short by tuberculosis, leading to his death on January 13, 1885, at the age of 38.