Harriet Stewart, Countess of Galloway facts for kids
Harriet Stewart, Countess of Galloway (born August 18, 1811 – died May 25, 1885), also known as Lady Harriet Blanche Somerset, was an important figure in Scottish history. She was the wife of Randolph Stewart, 9th Earl of Galloway. Harriet was the daughter of Henry Somerset, 6th Duke of Beaufort, and Lady Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower.
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Early Life and Marriage
Harriet was born into a noble family. Her father was a Duke, a very high rank in the British peerage. She married Randolph Stewart on August 9, 1833. He was eleven years older than her. At the time, he held an important position as Lord-Lieutenant of Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigtonshire. This role meant he was the King's or Queen's representative in those areas. A year after their marriage, her husband became the 9th Earl of Galloway. This made Harriet the Countess of Galloway.
Family and Children
Harriet and Randolph had a large family. They had six sons and seven daughters. Many of their children grew up to have their own families and important roles.
Notable Children
- Alan Plantagenet Stewart, 10th Earl of Galloway (1835-1901): He was their eldest son. Alan later became the 10th Earl of Galloway after his father passed away.
- Randolph Henry Stewart, 11th Earl of Galloway (1836-1920): He was their second son. Randolph became the 11th Earl of Galloway after his older brother Alan.
- Maj.-Gen. Hon. Alexander Stewart (1838-1896): Alexander became a Major-General in the military. This shows he had a successful career.
- Lady Emma Georgiana Stewart (c.1840-1869): She married Wilbraham Frederic Tollemache. He was the 2nd Baron Tollemache of Helmingham.
- Lady Isabel Maud Stewart (1852-1927): Isabel was one of their daughters who never married.
Life at Galloway House
During their marriage, the family's main home, Galloway House, saw many changes. In 1841, a famous architect named William Burn was hired. He made several improvements to the house. This included adding an extra floor to some parts of the building. These changes helped update and expand their family estate.
Later Years
Harriet's husband, the Earl, passed away in 1873. Their eldest son, Alan, then became the 10th Earl. Later, their second son, Randolph, became the 11th Earl. Harriet, the Countess, lived until 1885. She died at her home in Eaton Square, London, when she was 74 years old.
