Georgiana Clavering-Cowper, Countess Cowper facts for kids
Georgiana Caroline Clavering-Cowper, Countess Cowper (born Georgiana Caroline Carteret) lived from 1715 to 1780. She was an important English noblewoman who supported writers and artists.
Georgiana was the third daughter of John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville. Her mother was Frances Worsley.
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Her Marriages and Family
Georgiana Caroline Carteret married twice in her life. Both marriages connected her to important families.
First Marriage to John Spencer
On February 14, 1732, Georgiana married John Spencer. He was a Member of Parliament (MP). Together, they had two children:
- John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer (born 1734). He later married Margaret Georgiana Poyntz. They had children, including Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.
- Diana Spencer (born around 1735). She passed away around 1743.
John Spencer passed away in 1746.
Second Marriage to William Clavering-Cowper
In 1750, Georgiana married William Clavering-Cowper, 2nd Earl Cowper. His first wife had passed away a few years earlier. William already had two children from his first marriage.
Georgiana and William did not have any children together. William passed away in 1764. After his death, Georgiana's stepson, George Clavering-Cowper, became the next Earl.
Supporting Writers and Artists
Georgiana Caroline Cowper was known for her love of books and her support for writers. This is called being a "literary patron."
Admirer of Laurence Sterne
She greatly admired the famous novelist Laurence Sterne. He wrote popular books during her time.
Patron of John Carteret Pilkington
Georgiana also supported an Irish writer named John Carteret Pilkington. His middle name, Carteret, was given to him in honor of Georgiana's father, who was his godfather.
Pilkington published a book in 1760 called The Real Story of John Carteret Pilkington. Georgiana was very helpful to him. To show his thanks, Pilkington named his own daughter after her. Georgiana Caroline Pilkington (born 1757) was Georgiana's goddaughter. This goddaughter later became the mother of a scientist, Admiral William Henry Smyth, and two artists, Phoebe Earle and Augustus Earle.
Her Portrait
A famous artist named Godfrey Kneller painted a portrait of Georgiana. This painting was later copied by Mrs Delany. Mrs Delany's sister, Anne, also exchanged letters with Countess Cowper.
Later Life
Countess Cowper lived to be 65 years old. She passed away in 1780.
