Dorothy Clement facts for kids
Dorothy Clement (born around 1715, died around 1739) was the daughter of a postmaster from Darlington, England. She was the partner of Edward Walpole and the mother of his four children. One of her daughters, Maria Walpole, later became the Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh when she married Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh.
Dorothy's Early Life
Dorothy Clement's parents, Hammond and Priscilla Clement, got married in 1712. Her father, Hammond, was christened in Durham Cathedral in 1692. His father, John Clement, worked as a porter at Durham College. Dorothy's mother, Priscilla, might be related to the Mrs. Clement who is thought to have invented English mustard in Durham in 1720.
Dorothy's father worked as the Postmaster of Darlington. When Dorothy was about 15 years old, she left Darlington. She moved to London to find work. At first, she lived in Drake Street, near Red Lion Square.
Her Life with Edward Walpole
When Dorothy first arrived in London, some stories describe her in a very humble way. They say she was seen "on a Dust Cart... in all her rags and Dirt." However, everyone agreed that she was remarkably beautiful. Around 1730, she found a job with a Mrs. Rennie. Mrs. Rennie was described as someone who made children's coats, or ran a second-hand clothes shop in Pall Mall, or was a milliner (someone who makes or sells hats) in Covent Garden.
It was around this time that Dorothy met Edward Walpole. Edward was the son of Robert Walpole, who is often considered the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (serving from 1721 to 1741). Some people later claimed that Dorothy was a maid for Edward's mother, Lady Walpole.
Edward Walpole had just become a Member of Parliament for Lostwithiel that same year. He was not married. Dorothy and Edward's relationship grew, and she moved into his home. Edward never married Dorothy. This was likely because of her humble background. However, they had at least four children together. The Walpole family treated these children, who were born outside of marriage, "as if they were legitimate." All of them used the Walpole family name.
Dorothy Clement passed away around 1739. After her death, her sister Mary came from Darlington to help care for Dorothy's children.
Dorothy and Edward's Children
Dorothy Clement and Edward Walpole had four children:
- Laura: She married the Reverend Frederick Keppel on September 13, 1758. He later became the Bishop of Exeter. Laura passed away on July 27, 1813, and had children of her own.
- Maria: She married twice. Her first marriage was to the Earl Waldegrave on May 15, 1759. Her second marriage was to the Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh on September 6, 1766. Maria died on August 22, 1807, and had children from both marriages.
- Edward: He was born on August 22, 1737. Edward passed away in 1771 and did not have any children.
- Charlotte: She was born on December 9, 1738. Charlotte married Lionel Tollemache, Lord Huntingtower (who later became the Earl of Dysart) on October 2, 1760. She passed away on September 5, 1789, and did not have any children.
