Emily Temple, Viscountess Palmerston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Viscountess Palmerston
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Portrait of Lady Emily Lamb, aged 16, by Sir Thomas Lawrence
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Emily Lamb
1787 |
| Died | 1869 (aged 81–82) |
| Spouse(s) | Peter Clavering-Cowper Henry John Temple |
| Children | George Cowper, 6th Earl Cowper Lady Emily Cowper William Cowper-Temple, 1st Baron Mount Temple Charles Cowper Frances Jocelyn, Viscountess Jocelyn |
| Parent(s) | Peniston Lamb, 1st Viscount Melbourne Elizabeth Milbanke |
Emily Temple, Viscountess Palmerston (born Emily Lamb, 1787–1869) was an important person in British society. She was known as Countess Cowper for many years. Emily was the sister of Lord Melbourne, who became a Prime Minister. She first married the 5th Earl Cowper. Later, she married another Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston.
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Emily Lamb's Family Background
Emily Lamb was born in 1787. Her parents were Peniston Lamb and Elizabeth Milbanke. The Lamb family was very involved in politics since the mid-1700s. They became very influential during Emily's lifetime.
Her father was given the title Viscount Melbourne in 1781. Emily's oldest brother, William Lamb, served as Prime Minister of England twice. Another brother, Frederick Lamb, was a well-known diplomat. Her third brother, George Lamb, was a writer. The Lamb family was closely connected to the Whig political party. They were also close friends with Queen Victoria.
Emily's First Marriage and Social Life
When she was eighteen, Emily married Peter Clavering-Cowper, the 5th Earl Cowper (1778–1837). He was nine years older than her. Lord Cowper was a quiet and pleasant man. He preferred to stay away from busy social events and politics.
Emily, however, loved the social scene of the Regency era. She became one of the main leaders of the very exclusive Almack's club. This club was a very important place for high society events. She was known for being kind and generous to others. She would always help people she liked. She even helped people she didn't like, showing her good nature.
Emily was the most popular leader at Almack's. Her warm and charming personality stood out. This was a big contrast to some of the other club leaders.
Relationship with Lord Palmerston
At Almack's, Lady Cowper was often seen with Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston. Palmerston was a regular guest at her parties and social gatherings. As Lord Cowper's health declined, Lady Cowper and Lord Palmerston became very close.
This friendship brought Palmerston, who was originally a Tory, closer to important Whig politicians. This included Emily's brother. Palmerston later changed his political party and joined the Whigs. Emily's mother, before she passed away in 1818, encouraged Emily to stay close to Palmerston.
Marriage to Lord Palmerston
In 1837, Lord Cowper passed away. This allowed Emily and Palmerston to marry. They were both older, but Queen Victoria approved their marriage. They married on December 16, 1839. Palmerston was 55 years old, and Lady Cowper was 52.
They made their home at Broadlands. Their marriage was very happy. Lord Shaftesbury said that Palmerston treated Lady Palmerston with great care, even when they were older. He said they acted like they were still in love.
During their marriage, Lady Palmerston continued to host many social events. Foreign diplomats often attended these gatherings. Lord Palmerston would encourage his wife to share his ideas with guests. She would then tell him how people reacted. This helped him test new ideas before making them public.
They were a great match for each other. One writer, Herbert Bell, said that Palmerston brought knowledge and intelligence to their partnership. But Lady Palmerston had other wonderful qualities. She had good sense and kindness, which made her very charming. She was also clever and enthusiastic.
Another writer, Gillian Gill, said their marriage was a strong political partnership. It was also a very happy personal one. Emily helped Palmerston become successful in British politics. She was his best advisor and helper. Their marriage was one of the most important of their time.
Later Life and Passing
Lord Palmerston passed away in 1865. Lady Palmerston followed him four years later, in 1869.
Emily's Children
Emily had five children, three sons and two daughters. All of them were born during her marriage to Lord Cowper.
- George Cowper, 6th Earl Cowper (1806–1856). He married Anne Florence Weddell in 1833. They had six children.
- Lady Emily Cowper (1810–1872). She married Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury in 1830. They had ten children.
- William Cowper-Temple, 1st Baron Mount Temple (1811–1888). He married Harriet Gurney in 1843. He later married Georgina Tollemache in 1848.
- The Honorable Charles Cowper (1816–1879). He married Lady Harriett Gardiner in 1852. They had one daughter. He later married Jessie McLean in 1871. He owned Sandringham House for a time.
- Frances Jocelyn, Viscountess Jocelyn (1820–1880). She married Robert Jocelyn, Viscount Jocelyn in 1841. They had five children.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms associated with Emily Temple as Viscountess Palmerston.
