Dorothy Montagu, Countess of Sandwich facts for kids
Dorothy Montagu, Countess of Sandwich (born March 22, 1717 – died July 17, 1797), was a noblewoman from Britain. She was known as The Hon. Dorothy Fane before her marriage. She became the wife of the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
Early Life and Family
Dorothy Fane was born on March 22, 1717. She was the third daughter of Charles Fane, 1st Viscount Fane. Her mother was Mary Stanhope. Mary was the daughter of a diplomat named Alexander Stanhope. Mary was also the sister of a famous soldier and statesman, James Stanhope, 1st Earl Stanhope.
Dorothy's mother, Mary, was one of six "Maids of Honour" to Queen Anne. These ladies served the Queen starting in 1702. Dorothy was baptized on April 27, 1717.
Her Marriage
On March 14, 1741, Dorothy married John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. She was almost 24 years old at the time.
Dorothy and her husband later lived apart. This happened around 1754 or 1757. After their separation, Dorothy was given a home at Windsor Castle. She lived there with her older sister, Elizabeth.
In 1755, her friend and cousin, Elizabeth Montagu, wrote about the separation. She mentioned that Lady Sandwich had left her husband. Her daughter, Mary, stayed with her father. Dorothy also lived at her family's home, called New House, in Basildon, Berkshire.
Later Life and Children
Dorothy's brother, Charles, 2nd Viscount Fane, passed away without children. His properties in Berkshire, Armagh, and Limerick were inherited by Dorothy and her surviving sister, Mary. Mary was married to Jerome, 2nd Count de Salis.
Dorothy had one son who lived to adulthood:
- John Montagu, 5th Earl of Sandwich (1744–1814).
She had other children who passed away when they were younger:
- Edward-Montagu (born 1745 – died 1752)
- William-Augustus (born 1752 – died 1776)
- Mary (born 1748 – died 1761)
See also
