Consuelo Montagu, Duchess of Manchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Manchester
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
María Francisca de la Consolación "Consuelo" Yznaga
1853 Manhattan, New York, New York County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 20 November 1909 (aged 56) 5 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, England |
| Spouse |
The 8th Duke of Manchester
(m. 1876; died 1892) |
| Children |
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| Parents |
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| Relatives | Fernando Yznaga (brother) |
Consuelo Montagu, Duchess of Manchester (1853 – 20 November 1909), was born María Francisca de la Consolación "Consuelo" Yznaga. She was a wealthy American heiress from Cuba. In 1876, she married George, Viscount Mandeville. When her husband became the Duke of Manchester in 1890, she became the Duchess of Manchester.
Contents
Consuelo's Family Background
Consuelo Yznaga was born in 1853 in New York City. She was the second of four children. Her father, Antonio Modesto Yznaga del Valle, was a diplomat from Cuba. Her mother was Ellen Maria Clement from Louisiana.
Consuelo's family came from an old Cuban family. They owned a large plantation and sugar mills in Cuba. They also had connections to important Spanish families.
She grew up on Ravenswood Plantation in Louisiana. She later inherited this plantation. Her parents also bought properties in New York and Rhode Island.
Consuelo had a sister named María de la Natividad "Natica" Yznaga. Natica married Sir John Lister-Kaye. Consuelo's brother, Fernando Yznaga, married Mary Virginia "Jennie" Smith. Jennie was the sister of Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont, who was Consuelo's best friend growing up. Consuelo Vanderbilt, Alva's daughter, was named after Consuelo Montagu.
Consuelo's Life and Activities
As a teenager, Consuelo became well-known in New York City's social circles. She was part of a group called "The Buccaneers." These were wealthy American women who married into European noble families.
After her marriage, Consuelo became very involved in helping others. She cared deeply about poverty. She also worked to improve education and health for people.
The Duchess of Manchester was known for her beauty. Her sisters, Emilie and Natica, were also considered very beautiful.
Consuelo was a famous figure in high society. She was close friends with King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. Shortly before she died, she hosted King Edward and Nicholas II, the Tsar of Russia, when the Tsar visited England.
When her brother died in 1901, he left her a large sum of money. This was about $60 million in today's money.
Consuelo's Marriage and Children
In the autumn of 1875, Consuelo met George Montagu, Viscount Mandeville. They met at her father's home in New Jersey. On May 22, 1876, they were married in New York City.
Consuelo brought a large dowry to the marriage. A dowry is money or property that a bride's family gives to her husband upon marriage. Her dowry was worth about $6 million in today's money.
After their wedding, they lived at Tandragee Castle in Ireland. This castle was part of the Duke of Manchester's family estate.
Consuelo and George had three children:
- William Montagu, 9th Duke of Manchester (1877–1947). He married Helena Zimmerman in 1900 and had children.
- Lady Jacqueline Mary Alva Montagu (1879–1895). She was known as "May." She is believed to have died from an illness.
- Lady Alice Eleanor Louise Montagu (1879–1900). She was known as "Nell" and also died from an illness.
Sadly, her husband spent a lot of money. This caused financial problems for the couple. Because of these money troubles, his father, the 7th Duke, sent them to live at the family castle in Ireland until 1883.
Consuelo's Death and Legacy
The Duchess of Manchester passed away from an illness in London on November 20, 1909. Her sisters, Lady Lister-Kaye and Emily Yznaga, were with her.
Her estate was valued at about $69 million in today's money. She left this money to different members of her family.
When she died, the Duchess left a ruby and diamond bracelet to her friend, Queen Alexandra. The Manchester Tiara, a beautiful crown made for her by Cartier in 1903, is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In 2007, the British government accepted the tiara instead of inheritance tax after the 12th Duke died. Her diamond and emerald necklace was sold at an auction in 2015.
See also
In Spanish: Consuelo Yznaga para niños
