Catherine Beauclerk, Duchess of St Albans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catherine Beauclerk
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|---|---|
| Duchess of St Albans | |
 |
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| Born | Lady Catherine Ponsonby 14 October 1742 |
| Died | 4 September 1789 (aged 46) |
| Noble family | Ponsonby (by birth) Beauclerk (by marriage) |
| Spouse(s) |
Aubrey Beauclerk, 5th Duke of St Albans
(m. 1763) |
| Issue |
|
| Father | William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough |
| Mother | Lady Caroline Cavendish |
Catherine Beauclerk, Duchess of St Albans (born Lady Catherine Ponsonby; October 14, 1742 – September 4, 1789) was a British noblewoman. A noblewoman is a woman who belongs to a noble family, often with special titles. She became the Duchess of St Albans when she married into the Beauclerk family.
Who Was Catherine Beauclerk?
Catherine was born into a well-known family. Her father was William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough. Her mother was Lady Caroline Cavendish. Catherine was the oldest of their three children. Her father was a politician in Ireland for most of his life. A politician is someone who works in government.
Her Family and Marriage
Catherine Ponsonby married Aubrey Beauclerk, 5th Duke of St Albans. Their wedding took place on May 4, 1763, in London. When she married Aubrey, she became the Duchess of St Albans.
Together, Catherine and Aubrey had seven children:
- Aubrey Beauclerk, 6th Duke of St Albans (1765–1815)
- William Beauclerk, 8th Duke of St Albans (1766–1825)
- Lady Catherine Elizabeth Beauclerk (born around 1768 – died around July 1803). She married Rev. James Burgess.
- Admiral Lord Amelius Beauclerk (1771–1846). He never married.
- The Reverend Lord Frederick Beauclerk (1773–1850). He married the Hon. Charlotte Dillon.
- Lady Caroline Beauclerk (born around 1775 – died November 23, 1838). She married the Hon. Charles Dundas.
- Lady Georgiana Beauclerk (1776 – October 17, 1791). She passed away at the age of 15.
Life in Rome
In 1781, Catherine received the title of Mrs. Vere de Hanworth. Later, when her husband's position changed, she officially became the Duchess of St Albans on February 10, 1787.
Catherine and Aubrey lived in the city of Rome for about three years. While they were there, an artist named Franciszek Smuglewicz painted their portraits twice.
Aubrey Beauclerk, Catherine's husband, passed away on February 9, 1802. He was 61 years old. Catherine Beauclerk herself passed away on September 4, 1789.
