Elizabeth Sackville, Duchess of Dorset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elizabeth Sackville |
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| Portrait by Godfrey Kneller | |
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| Spouse(s) | Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset |
| Issue | |
| Charles Sackville, 2nd Duke of Dorset Lord John Sackville George Germain, 1st Viscount Sackville Elizabeth Thynne, Viscountess Weymouth Lady Caroline Sackville |
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| Noble family | Colyear |
| Father | Lieutenant-General Walter Colyear |
| Born | c. 1689 |
| Died | 12 June 1768 |
| Occupation | Maid of honour to Anne, Queen of Great Britain Lady of the Bedchamber to Caroline of Ansbach, later Mistress of the Robes |
Elizabeth Sackville, Duchess of Dorset (born around 1689 – died June 12, 1768), was an important person in the British royal court. She was born Elizabeth Colyear and later became the wife of Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset.
Early Life and Family Connections
Elizabeth Colyear was the daughter of Lieutenant-General Walter Colyear. Her father's brother was the Earl of Portmore, making her part of an important family.
When she was about 14 years old, in 1703, Elizabeth began working at the royal court. She became a Maid of honour to Queen Anne. A Maid of Honour was a young noblewoman who helped the Queen with her daily tasks and attended to her. Elizabeth took over this role from her aunt, Catherine Sedley.
Marriage and Children
Elizabeth married Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset in January 1709. Together, they had five children:
- Charles, Earl of Middlesex (who later became the 2nd Duke of Dorset; 1711–1769)
- Lord John Sackville (who was the father of the 3rd Duke)
- Lord George Sackville (who later became Lord George Germain and the 1st Viscount Sackville)
- Elizabeth (who died on June 19, 1729), she married Thomas Thynne, 2nd Viscount Weymouth
- Caroline, who married Joseph Damer, 1st Earl of Dorchester.
Roles at Court
Elizabeth Sackville held several important positions in the royal household. From 1714 to 1737, she served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Caroline of Ansbach. Caroline was the wife of King George II of the United Kingdom. A Lady of the Bedchamber was a high-ranking female attendant to the Queen, helping her with personal matters and official duties.
Later, from 1723 to 1731, Elizabeth became Caroline's Mistress of the Robes. This was a very important role, responsible for the Queen's clothing and jewels. Only a duchess could hold this title.
