Anne Caulfeild, Countess of Charlemont facts for kids

Anne, Countess of Charlemont and her son James (Thomas Lawrence, around 1805)

Anne Caulfeild, Countess of Charlemont (born Bermingham; 1780–1876) was an important Anglo-Irish lady who worked for the royal family. She was the very first Lady of the Bedchamber chosen by Queen Victoria. This happened when Victoria became queen in 1837. Anne served in this role until 1854.

Anne was the daughter of William Bermingham and his wife Mary. She was born in Ross Hill, Galway. In 1802, she married Francis Caulfeild, 2nd Earl of Charlemont.

Anne in Art

Lady Charlemont was known for her great beauty during her time. A sculpture of her as a young woman was made by Joseph Nollekens. This sculpture was displayed at Windsor Castle.

The famous poet Lord Byron even wrote about her beauty. In 1821, he said that Lady Charlemont's face was so perfect, it looked like an ideal sculpture.

Portrait of Lady Charlemont as Psyche, by François-Xavier Fabre, 1796, Musée Fabre

A special painting shows Anne as the Roman goddess Psyche. In this portrait, she has butterfly wings and a blue ribbon in her hair. It was painted by François-Xavier Fabre in 1796. A copy was also made by Princess Louise of Stolberg-Gedern. This painting is now kept at the Musée Fabre in Montpellier.

Anne's own writings and drawings are kept safe at the National Library of Ireland.