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The Marriage Drama of Frances Vane Stewart, 3rd Marchioness of Londonderry

I have a new post on the English Historical Fiction Authors blog! Here is a taste…

Lady Frances Anne Emily Vane-Tempest, Marchioness of Londonderry (1800-1865) and her Son George Henry Robert Charles William Vane-Tempest, Viscount Seaham, later 5th Marquess of Londonderry (1821-1884), photo by Franzy89, April 4, 2020

The Hon. Frances Anne Vane Tempest was born January 17, 1800, in St. James’s Square, London.  Frances Anne was admired and respected for her successes as a political and a society hostess, her business acumen, and her position in society. She capably ran estates in England and Ireland, and was known for being strong minded.  Her background certainly prepared her to think for herself, to trust her own judgment, and to stand her ground.  Her parents were fascinating people in their own rights.

  Her father was Sir Henry Vane-Tempest of Long Newton, County Durham, 2nd Bearonet.  He was born with the last name of Vane, and added Tempest by royal patent, after he inherited his late maternal uncle John Tempest’s estates in County Durham and Wynyard in 1793.  This inheritance made him very wealthy, as the estates included significant coal mines.  His uncle’s will required that the name Tempest be adopted. He replaced his uncle as M.P. for the City of Durham 1794-1800 and for County Durham 1807-1813.  Also a sportsman, he owned a successful racing stable, including a horse named Hambletonian.  (Henry gambled, and won, 3000 pounds on this horse to win at Newmarket in March 1799.) Sir Henry had a bad reputation as womaniser, and was known for having a bad temper. Henry Vane-Tempest’s father died in 1794, and he inherited the title, becoming 2nd Baronet. He had one sibling, his sister Frances, who married Michael Angelo Taylor, M. P. for the City of Durham.  Frances’s marriage to Mr. Taylor caused an estrangement, but brother and sister eventually reconciled.  Sir Henry also had an illegitimate son, named John, born about 1792, who apparently remained in County Durham.  In April 1799, he married Anne Catherine McDonnell, Countess of Antrim.

To read more about young Frances and the drama that awaits her, visit the English Historical Fiction Authors blog here: https://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-marriage-drama-of-frances-vane.html

Image through Wikimedia Commons (public domain): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Frances_Anne_Vane,_marchioness_of_Londonderry,_with_her_son_George,_future_5th_marquess_of_Londonderry.jpg

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The Duke of Wellington’s Female Circle: Frances, Lady Shelley

Frances Lady Shelley 001 Lady Shelley, from a miniature by G. Sanders, in the possession of Spencer Shelley Esq.

Over on the English Historical Fiction Author’s blog, we meet Frances, Lady Shelley, a dear friend and correspondent of the Duke of Wellington.

Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, was known to enjoy women, particularly pretty, intelligent women. He was credited with many mistresses (whether or not true) and he had many women friends whose company he enjoyed. One of these women was Frances, Lady Shelley. Lady Shelley was a notable diarist.

Frances was born in June 16, 1787 at Preston, Lancashire. Her father was Thomas Winckley, and her mother was Jacintha Dalrymple Hesketh. Originally known as Janet or Jennet, Jacintha was the previously-widowed sister of the famous courtesan Grace Dalrymple Elliot, whose family had a connection to the Earl of Peterborough. Jacintha and Thomas were descended of Jacobite families and they married in 1785. Thomas was about 17 years older than Jacintha. Jacintha had children (5 daughters and a son) by her first husband. Apparently Thomas did not care for the Hesketh connection; only one of Lady Shelley’ half-siblings lived in the household with her and her parents, and they rarely met the Hesketh siblings. The household was not a particularly happy one; Thomas spent a lot of time with his cronies, drank heavily and liked to play pranks. Accounts indicate that Thomas was quite well off. Shortly after moving his family to Larkhill, Thomas died in 1794, leaving his widow, their daughter Frances and 2 illegitimate sons. Jacintha inherited the house and furniture; the residue of Thomas’ estate was left to Frances, who was 6 years old….

To read more, visit the English Historical Fiction Author’s blog HERE.

Illustration is a scan of the image in my personal copy of THE DIARY OF FRANCES LADY SHELLEY 1787-1817 Edited by her grandson Richard Edgcumbe. 1912: John Murray, London.

Sources are listed in the post on the English Historical Fiction Authors blog.

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Worcester Cathedral

My husband and I just got back from a wonderful trip abroad. One of the fabulous places we visited was the city of Worcester, where we were able to spend time at the Cathedral

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It was a rather overcast, misty morning as we approached the cathedral. Once inside, however, it was truly awe-inspiring.

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They were preparing for a wedding later in the day, and there was singing. It was unbelievably beautiful.

As we proceeded, the incredible architecture and the beautiful windows were almost overpowering.
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We also saw the tomb of King John, best known for signing the Magna Carta on June 15, 1215, who died October 19, 1216. Amazing to think that he has remained here all these centuries.

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Worcester Cathedral is also the burial place of Arthur, Prince of Wales, son of Henry VII, who died at age 15 shortly after his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. (Note there is no effigy or likeness on his tomb.)
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The present building was built under Saint Wulfstan, with building beginning in 1084. (There had been cathedrals since since Anglo-Saxon times, which the current structure replaced.) There was also a monastery which continued until it was dissolved under Henry VIII. During the Civil Wars, the Cathedral was badly damaged (the Battle of Worcester, which took place on September 3, 1651 was the last battle, where Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian army defeated the Royalists). After the Restoration of Charles II and the monarchy, a great deal of rebuilding was undertaken. The largest campaign of renovation occurred during the Victorian era between 1854-1875. The Cathedral as it stands today is a magnificent structure, well worth a visit.

(All photographs are perstonal, taken by the author, after purchasing a permit at the Cathedra.)

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Happy New Year

It’s chilly here in Florida. (I won’t insult my northern friends and neighbors by referring to “cold” but 40-degree temperatures are just plain cold to me.) I have a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup simmering on the stove. We have had hints of frost for tonight so pineapple plants and a few other sensitive plants will be tucked in again, and the potted plants will spend at least one more night on the porch. Having celebrated the holidays, and now having a cold snap, nothing beats a warm old sweater, some comfort food, and a good book. With all the turmoil in the world, it’s easy to forget how very fortunate one is, and how comforting the simple things can be. Today is a good time to remember those things. All best wishes for a safe, healthy and happy 2018!

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An Interview….

Annie Whitehead, noted author of TO BE A QUEEN, ALVAR THE KINGMAKER and contributor to 1066 TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, as well as one of the team in charge of the English Historical Fiction Authors blog, was very gracious and kind when she interviewed me for her own blog. You can see it HERE

Please visit her author page on Amazon to check out her work HERE

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Baroness Lehzen, Victoria’s Governess

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(Drawing of Louise Lehzen 1835 by Princess Victoria from Wikimedia Commons)

I have a post up on the English Historical Fiction Authors Blog. Today, I am discussing an important and formative influence on Queen Victoria: her governess and friend, Baroness Louise Lehzen. Please check it out by visiting the English Historical Fiction Authors. While you are there, please be sure to check out other great posts!