Frances Villiers, Countess of Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Countess of Jersey
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Frances Villiers, Countess of Jersey. A mezzotint engraving by Thomas Watson (1743–1781), published in 1774 after the original portrait by Daniel Gardner.
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Frances Twysden
25 February 1753 London, England |
| Died | 23 July 1821 (aged 68) Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England |
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| Parents | Philip Twysden Frances Carter |
| Known for | Mistress of George IV |
Frances Villiers, Countess of Jersey (born Frances Twysden; 25 February 1753 – 23 July 1821) was an important British noblewoman. She was known for her charm and wit. She also served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Charlotte and Princess Caroline. Frances Villiers was a significant figure in the royal court during the time of King George IV, when he was still the Prince of Wales.
Early Life and Marriage
Frances Twysden was born in London on February 25, 1753. Her father was Philip Twysden, who was a Bishop in the Church of Ireland. Her mother was Frances Carter.
In March 1770, just after her 17th birthday, Frances married George Villiers, 4th Earl of Jersey. He was 34 years old and had recently become an Earl. The Earl of Jersey was a peer, which means he was a high-ranking noble.
Her husband held important positions at the royal court. He was a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to King George III. Later, in 1795, he became the Master of Horse to the Prince of Wales. This meant he was in charge of the Prince's horses and stables.
Life at Court
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Lady Jersey became a very influential person at the royal court. She was a close companion and advisor to the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. Her charm and intelligence made her a popular figure in high society.
In 1794, Lady Jersey encouraged the Prince of Wales to marry his cousin, Caroline of Brunswick. She was then appointed a Lady of the Bedchamber to Princess Caroline. However, the Prince and Princess did not get along well. They lived separately after their daughter, Princess Charlotte, was born. Lady Jersey continued to be an important part of the Prince's life.
Lady Jersey was also favored by Queen Charlotte, the Prince's mother. This strong support helped her keep her position and influence at court for a long time. She managed many aspects of the Prince of Wales's household.
Around 1803, Lady Jersey's influence began to lessen as the Prince became interested in other companions. By 1807, she was replaced as his main companion and lost her position as Lady of the Bedchamber. After this, she was no longer actively involved with the royal court.
Lady Jersey's home was known as a popular place for social gatherings. She passed away on July 25, 1821, in Cheltenham. She was buried in the Villiers family vault at Middleton Stoney.
Family and Children
Frances and George Villiers, the 4th Earl of Jersey, had many children. Here are some of them:
- Lady Charlotte Anne Villiers (1771–1808), who married Lord William Russell.
- Lady Anne Barbara Frances Villiers (1772–1832), who married William Henry Lambton.
- George Child Villiers, 5th Earl of Jersey (1773–1859), who married Lady Sarah Sophia Fane.
- Lady Caroline Elizabeth Villiers (1774–1835), who married Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey and later George Campbell, 6th Duke of Argyll.
- Lady Georgiana Villiers (died young).
- Lady Sarah Villiers (born 1779), who married Charles Nathaniel Bayley.
- Hon. William Augustus Henry Villiers (1780–1813).
- Lady Elizabeth Villiers (died 1810).
- Lady Frances Elizabeth Villiers (1786–1866), who married John Ponsonby, 1st Viscount Ponsonby.
- Lady Harriet Villiers (1788–1870), who married Richard Bagot, who was a Bishop.
In Popular Culture
Lady Jersey has been shown in television. She was played by actress Caroline Blakiston in the 1979 TV series Prince Regent.
See also
- Lady Jersey sets her cap at the Prince
- English royal mistress
