Elizabeth Hervey, Countess of Bristol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Hervey
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Portrait of Elizabeth Felton, Countess of Bristol, painted by Enoch Seeman in 1738.
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Elizabeth Hervey, Countess of Bristol (born December 18, 1676 – died May 1, 1741), was an important person in the British royal court. She was the second wife of John Hervey, 1st Earl of Bristol. Together, they had seventeen children!
Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir Thomas Felton, 4th Baronet, and Lady Elizabeth Howard. She married John Hervey on July 25, 1695, at Boxted Hall in Suffolk. When her husband became an Earl in October 1714, she received the title of Countess of Bristol.
Her Family Life
Elizabeth Hervey had a very large family. She gave birth to seventeen children with John Hervey. Some of her children became well-known in their own right.
Her Many Children
Here are some of Elizabeth's children:
- John Hervey, 2nd Baron Hervey (1696–1743) became a politician and a writer.
- Lady Elizabeth Hervey (1698–1727) married Hon. Bussy Mansel.
- Hon. Thomas Hervey (1699–1775) was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bury. He also held different jobs at the royal court.
- Capt. Hon. William Hervey (1699–1776) served in the Royal Navy.
- Rev. Hon. Henry Hervey (1701–1748) became a reverend.
- Hon. Felton Hervey (1712–1773) also became an MP for Bury St Edmunds.
- Lady Louisa Carolina Isabella Hervey (1715–1770) married Sir Robert Smyth, 2nd Baronet.
Life at Court
In 1714, Elizabeth Hervey became a Lady of the Bedchamber. This was an important role in the royal household. She served the Princess of Wales, who later became Queen Caroline of Ansbach. Elizabeth kept this position until Queen Caroline passed away in 1737. This shows she was a trusted and close member of the Queen's staff.
Later Life and Legacy
Elizabeth, Countess of Bristol, died on May 1, 1741. This was four years after the Queen she served. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Ickworth. This church is a traditional burial place for the Hervey family.
Her Portraits
Several artists painted portraits of the Countess. A portrait of her, painted by John Simon after Michael Dahl, is kept at the National Portrait Gallery. She was also painted by the famous artist Sir Godfrey Kneller. These paintings help us remember what she looked like.
