Elizabeth Berkeley, Countess Berkeley facts for kids
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Elizabeth Berkeley, Countess Berkeley (born around 1720 – died 29 June 1792), was an important woman in British society. Before she married, her name was Elizabeth Drax. She became the wife of Augustus Berkeley, 4th Earl of Berkeley, who was a nobleman.
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Who Was Elizabeth Berkeley?
Elizabeth Berkeley was a significant figure in the 18th century. She was known for her family connections and her role at the royal court. She was the daughter of Henry Drax and his wife, Elizabeth Ernle.
Early Life and First Marriage
Elizabeth Drax married Augustus Berkeley, 4th Earl of Berkeley, on 7 May 1744. An Earl is a noble title, and his wife is called a Countess. Together, they had several children who grew up to have their own important lives.
Her Children with Earl Berkeley
Elizabeth and Augustus had four children:
- Frederick Augustus Berkeley, 5th Earl of Berkeley (1745-1810) became the next Earl.
- Lady Georgiana Augusta Berkeley (1749-1820) married George Forbes, 5th Earl of Granard, and they had children.
- Lady Elizabeth Berkeley (1750-1828) was a writer. Her first husband was William Craven, 6th Baron Craven. After his death, she married Charles Alexander, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach.
- Admiral Hon. Sir George Cranfield Berkeley (1753-1818) was a naval officer. He married Emilia Charlotte Lennox, and they also had children.
Life at Court
From 1745 to 1772, Elizabeth Berkeley had a special job at the royal court. She was a Lady of the Bedchamber to the Princess of Wales, Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. A Lady of the Bedchamber was a high-ranking attendant who helped the Princess with her daily life and duties. Augusta was the mother of King George III.
Second Marriage and Family
After her first husband, Earl Berkeley, passed away in 1755, Elizabeth married again. Her second husband was Robert Nugent, 1st Earl Nugent. They married on 2 January 1757.
Her Children with Earl Nugent
Elizabeth and Robert Nugent had two daughters:
- Mary Elizabeth Nugent, 1st Baroness Nugent (1758-1812) married George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, 1st Marquess of Buckingham. They had children.
- Lady Louisa Nugent (1758-1841) married Admiral Sir Eliab Harvey, and they also had children.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1759, a famous artist named Sir Joshua Reynolds painted a portrait of Elizabeth, Countess Berkeley. This painting helps us remember what she looked like.
Elizabeth Berkeley passed away on 29 June 1792. She was buried next to her first husband in Berkeley, Gloucestershire.
