Frances Somerset, Duchess of Beaufort facts for kids

Frances Scudamore, Duchess of Beaufort (1711–1750), was an important noblewoman and a wealthy heiress in England. She was the only child of James Scudamore, 3rd Viscount Scudamore. When her father passed away in 1716, she became his sole heir, inheriting a significant fortune. Her mother, Frances Digby, was known for introducing her family to the famous poet Alexander Pope.

First Marriage and Divorce

On June 28, 1729, Frances married Henry Somerset, 3rd Duke of Beaufort. The Duke later changed his last name to Scudamore in 1730, following a special law passed by Act of Parliament. However, their marriage faced many difficulties.

In 1742, the Duke began legal proceedings to end their marriage. Frances also made claims against him in court. After a legal review, the divorce was finalized in March 1743.

Second Marriage and Daughter

A year after her divorce, Frances married again. Her second husband was Colonel Charles FitzRoy. He was an illegitimate son of the 2nd Duke of Grafton. Colonel FitzRoy also adopted the surname Scudamore.

Frances and Charles had one daughter, also named Frances, who was born in 1750. Sadly, Frances, the Duchess, passed away in the same year her daughter was born.

The Holme Lacy Estate

Her daughter, Frances, later married Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk. She did not have any children. After her death, the family estate of Holme Lacy, which had belonged to the Viscounts Scudamore for a long time, went through a complex legal battle. Eventually, the estate was settled and passed to Sir Edwin Stanhope, 3rd Baronet, who then added Scudamore to his surname.