Cassandra Willoughby, Duchess of Chandos facts for kids
Cassandra Willoughby, Duchess of Chandos (born April 23, 1670 – died July 16, 1735) was an English historian, travel writer, and artist. She was very important in bringing the gardens and main house at Wollaton Hall back to life. This huge project took her over 25 years. Wollaton Hall is now located in Nottingham.
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About Cassandra Willoughby
Cassandra was the daughter of Francis Willoughby of Wollaton, Nottinghamshire. Her father was a smart man who studied nature and was a member of the Royal Society. Her mother was Emma, whose father was Sir Henry Barnard.
When Cassandra was young, her 19-year-old brother, Francis, had problems with his stepfather about money. In 1687, Cassandra went with her brother to their family's old home, Wollaton Hall. She was very excited about this. She wrote that she was "much delighted" to be in charge of Wollaton. For more than 25 years, she worked hard to fix up the gardens and rebuild the house.
Becoming a Duchess
In 1713, when Cassandra was 43, she married her wealthy cousin, James Brydges. He was also a member of the Royal Society. They got married at Chelsea College Chapel. James Brydges's importance grew quickly. The next year, he became a Baron when his father passed away.
Soon after, he was made an Earl. Then, in 1719, he became the Duke of Chandos. This meant Cassandra became the Duchess of Chandos.
There is a famous painting of Cassandra and her husband by Sir Godfrey Kneller. It was painted in 1713 and is now in the National Gallery of Canada. The painting also shows the Duke's two sons from his first marriage.
Cassandra Willoughby passed away at age 65. She did not have any children. She was buried in the Chandos Mausoleum at St Lawrence's Church, Whitchurch, near the Duke's large home called Cannons.
Connection to Jane Austen
Both the mother and sister of the famous writer Jane Austen were named Cassandra. This was to honor their family's connection to the Duke of Chandos's family. Jane Austen's mother was related to Cassandra Willoughby's family through marriage. Jane Austen wrote famous books like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.
Cassandra's Writings
Before she got married, Cassandra Willoughby wrote a history of her father's family. It was called The Continuation of the History of the Willoughby Family. You can find this important work at the University of Nottingham Library.
Cassandra also wrote many letters before and after her marriage. Some of these letters are kept in places like the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Record Office. She also wrote about her travels and created family trees.
