Elizabeth Herbert, Countess of Pembroke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Countess of Pembroke
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| Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery | |
Portrait, in 1764-1767 by Sir Joshua Reynolds, of the Countess with her son, George
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| Born | January/March 1737 |
| Died | 30 April 1831 (aged 94) |
| Spouse(s) | Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke |
| Issue | George Augustus Herbert, 11th Earl of Pembroke, 8th Earl of Montgomery Charlotte Herbert |
| Parents | Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough Elizabeth Trevor |
Elizabeth Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery (born between January and March 1737 – died 30 April 1831) was an important lady in British history. She was known as the Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery. Elizabeth was the daughter of Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough and Elizabeth Trevor.
Contents
A Look at Elizabeth's Life
Elizabeth Spencer was born into a noble family. Her father was Charles Spencer, the 3rd Duke of Marlborough. Her mother was Elizabeth Trevor. Elizabeth had three siblings: George, Charles, and Diana.
In 1756, when she was 19 years old, Elizabeth married Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke. Six years later, in 1762, her husband left her for a short time.
After they made up, Elizabeth and Henry decided to live in different parts of their home, Wilton House. Henry lived downstairs, and Elizabeth lived upstairs. She did not want her husband's son from another relationship to use the family name, Herbert.
Serving the Queen
In the early 1760s, Elizabeth was admired by George III, the King of Great Britain. She became a Lady of the Bedchamber to his wife, Queen Charlotte. This meant she was a close attendant and friend to the Queen.
In 1778, King George III and Queen Charlotte visited Elizabeth and Henry at their home, Wilton House, and stayed for two nights.
Moving to Pembroke Lodge
In 1788, Elizabeth moved to Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park. King George III had given her this home to use. That same year, the King became ill with a mental health condition. Elizabeth remained loyal to the King and Queen during this difficult time.
Elizabeth's Children
Elizabeth and Henry had two children.
| Name | Born | Died | Notes |
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| George Augustus Herbert, 11th Earl of Pembroke, 8th Earl of Montgomery | 10 September 1759 | 26 October 1827 | He married two times and had children from both marriages. |
| Charlotte Herbert | 14 July 1773 | 21 April 1784 | She passed away at the age of 10 from a lung illness called tuberculosis. |
Elizabeth in Movies
Elizabeth Herbert is shown in the movie The Madness of King George, which came out in 1994. In the film, she is played by the actress Amanda Donohoe.
- The movie is set in 1788. In real life, Elizabeth was much older than she was shown in the film.
- The movie shows King George III during his illness. Elizabeth and Queen Charlotte are shown as being very loyal to him.
- The King introduces her in the movie by saying, "Now, that's Lady Pembroke. Handsome woman, what? Daughter of the Duke of Marlborough. Stuff of generals. Blood of Blenheim. Husband an utter rascal. Eloped in a packet-boat."
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| Preceded by The Countess of Hertford |
Lady of the Bedchamber 1782–1818 |
Succeeded by Death of Queen Charlotte |
