Emily Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marchioness of Lansdowne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emily Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marchioness of Lansdowne
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| Born |
Emily Jane de Flahaut
16 May 1819 |
| Died | 26 June 1895 (aged 76) Meikleour, Scotland
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| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Marchioness of Lansdowne, 8th Lady Nairne |
| Spouse(s) | Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 4th Marquess of Lansdowne (m. 1 November 1843) |
| Children | Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne, Edmond Fitzmaurice, 1st Baron Fitzmaurice, Emily Louisa Anne |
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Emily Jane Mercer Elphinstone Petty-Fitzmaurice (born May 16, 1819 – died June 26, 1895) was an important British noblewoman. She was known as the Marchioness of Lansdowne and also as the 8th Lady Nairne.
She lived during the Victorian era and was connected to many powerful families. Her life shows how titles and family connections worked in the past.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Emily Jane de Flahaut was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 16, 1819. Her father was Count Charles de Flahaut, a French general and a statesman. A statesman is a skilled and respected leader in government. Her mother was Countess Margaret, who was also a Baroness in her own right.
Emily had some very famous relatives. Her half-brother, Charles, duc de Morny, was the half-brother of Emperor Napoleon III of France. This means she was connected to the French imperial family! She was also the granddaughter of Talleyrand, a very famous French diplomat.
Marriage and Children
On November 1, 1843, Emily married Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice. They got married at the British embassy in Vienna. At the time, he was known as the Earl of Shelburne. When they married, Emily became the Countess of Shelburne.
Emily and Henry had three children:
- Henry Charles Keith (1845–1927): He later became the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne.
- Edmond George (1846–1935): He was known as Lord Edmond Petty-Fitzmaurice and later became Baron Fitzmaurice.
- Emily Louisa Anne (1855–1939): She married Everard Charles Digby and had children.
Becoming a Marchioness and Lady Nairne
In 1863, Emily's husband inherited a very important title from his father. He became the Marquess of Lansdowne. This meant Emily became the Marchioness of Lansdowne. A marquess is a high-ranking noble, just below a duke.
Emily also gained another important title. In 1874, the House of Lords recognized her as the 8th Lady Nairne. This was a family title that her mother had inherited. Even though her mother had the title, she never officially claimed it during her lifetime.
A Special Dedication
When Emily was just 15 years old, a very famous musician dedicated a piece of music to her. In 1834, Frédéric Chopin, a brilliant composer, published his piece called "Boléro, Op. 19." He dedicated this beautiful music to Emily.
Later Life and Legacy
Emily Petty-Fitzmaurice passed away on June 26, 1895, at Meikleour House in Scotland. When she died, her family title of Nairne passed to her eldest son, Henry. He then became the 9th Lord Nairne, in addition to being the Marquess of Lansdowne.
Emily's life shows the importance of family, titles, and connections in the 19th century.
