Elizabeth Bulwer-Lytton facts for kids

Elizabeth Barbara Bulwer-Lytton (born Warburton-Lytton) was an important member of the Lytton family. She lived from 1770 to 1843. Her family was well-known for their home, Knebworth House, in Hertfordshire, England.

Her Early Life and Family

Elizabeth Barbara Warburton-Lytton was born on May 1, 1770. Her parents were Richard Warburton-Lytton and Elizabeth Jodrell. In 1798, she married General William Earle Bulwer. He was a military leader who lived from 1757 to 1807.

Family Home and Children

After they married, Elizabeth and William lived at Heydon Hall in Norfolk. They had three sons. Their first son, William Earle Lytton Bulwer, was born in 1799. Their second son, Henry, was born in 1801. Their youngest son, Edward, was born in 1803.

Returning to Knebworth House

In 1810, Elizabeth's father passed away. The next year, in 1811, she changed her name back to her father's surname. This was done with special permission called a royal licence. She then moved back to Knebworth House.

Restoring Knebworth House

When Elizabeth returned, Knebworth House was in poor condition. It needed a lot of repair work. She decided to make big changes to the old building. She had three of its four sides taken down. Then, she added new parts to the remaining side. These new additions included Gothic towers and battlements. This style is known as Tudor Gothic. The work was completed in 1813 by an architect named John Biagio Rebecca.

Later Life and Legacy

Elizabeth lived at Knebworth House with her son, Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Edward became a famous writer. She stayed there until she passed away on December 19, 1843.

Her Burial Place

Elizabeth had a long-standing disagreement with the local church. Because of this, she was not buried with her family at St Mary's Knebworth. Instead, she chose to be buried in the Lytton Mausoleum. This special burial building was designed by John Buonarotti Papworth in 1817. It is located nearby.

Her Son's Feelings

Elizabeth's death deeply affected her son, Edward. He wrote about his sadness in a letter published in 1845. He also wrote about it in a collection of his works published after his death in 1875. Edward loved his mother very much. He asked that her room at Knebworth House be kept exactly as she used it. He wrote this request above the fireplace in her room. To this day, the room remains almost unchanged.