Barbara Herbert, Countess of Powis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Countess of Powis
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The Earl and Countess of Powis with their two children in 1760
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| Born | 24 June 1735 |
| Died | 12 March 1786 (aged 50) |
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| Parents | Lord Edward Herbert Lady Henrietta Waldegrave |
Barbara Herbert, Countess of Powis (born June 24, 1735 – died March 12, 1786) was an important lady in British history. She was the wife of General Henry Herbert, 1st Earl of Powis. An Earl is a noble title, similar to a duke or a marquis, and a Countess is the wife of an Earl.
Who Was Barbara Herbert?
Barbara Herbert was born into a very old and respected family. Her father was Lord Edward Herbert. He was the younger son of William Herbert, 2nd Marquess of Powis. A Marquess is another high noble title, just below a Duke.
Her Early Life
Barbara's parents, Lord Edward Herbert and Lady Henrietta Waldegrave, got married. Sadly, her father passed away just a few months after their wedding in 1734. Barbara was born three months after her father's death. This meant she never knew him.
When Barbara was 15 years old, she married Henry Herbert. This was on March 30, 1751. Henry was quite a bit older than her, in his late forties. Henry was also from a noble family, connected to Richard Herbert, 2nd Baron Herbert of Chirbury. He became the Earl of Powis in 1748. This happened after another family member, William Herbert, 3rd Marquess of Powis, died without any children to inherit his title.
Family and Children
Barbara and Henry had two children together:
- George Edward Henry Arthur Herbert, 2nd Earl of Powis (1755–1801). He never married.
- Lady Henrietta Antonia Herbert (1758–1830). She married Edward Clive, 2nd Baron Clive. He later also became an Earl of Powis. They had children, continuing the family line.
Life at Powis Castle
For a time, the family lived at a place called Oakly Park. In 1771, just before her husband, the Earl, passed away, Oakly Park was sold. It was bought by Robert Clive, 1st Baron Clive, a famous British general. After this, Barbara and her family moved permanently to Powis Castle. This grand castle is now looked after by the National Trust, a group that protects historic places.
A painting of Barbara was made around 1750. It is kept at Powis Castle today. This portrait helps us remember what she looked like.
