Henrietta Ponsonby, Countess of Bessborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Countess of Bessborough
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1793 portrait by Angelica Kauffman
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| Born | 16 June 1761 Wimbledon, London |
| Died | 11 November 1821 (aged 60) Florence |
| Spouse | Frederick Ponsonby, 3rd Earl of Bessborough |
| Children | John Ponsonby, 4th Earl of Bessborough Sir Frederick Ponsonby Lady Caroline Lamb William Ponsonby, 1st Baron de Mauley George Ponsonby Harriet Osborne, Baroness Godolphin |
| Parents | John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer Margaret Georgiana Poyntz |
Henrietta Ponsonby, Countess of Bessborough (born Lady Henrietta Frances Spencer on June 16, 1761 – died November 11, 1821), was an important figure in British society. She was often called Harriet by her friends and family. Henrietta was the wife of Frederick Ponsonby, 3rd Earl of Bessborough. Together, they were the parents of Lady Caroline Lamb. Her father, John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer, was a direct descendant of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. Henrietta's sister was Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, who was also a well-known person in their time.
Contents
Henrietta Ponsonby's Life Story
Her Early Life
Harriet was the youngest child in her family. Her parents and older sister Georgiana often traveled to Europe. This was usually for her father's health. Harriet often stayed in England during these trips.
When she was a child, Harriet was often sick and not very strong. Her mother, Lady Spencer, decided to send her to school abroad. She hoped that the different climate would help Harriet become healthier.
As she grew up, Harriet became a very beautiful young woman. She was also known for her kind and good nature. She was very smart and observant of people around her. Her friends liked her gentle personality and quiet confidence.
Her Family Life
On November 27, 1780, Harriet married Frederick Ponsonby. He was an Anglo-Irish nobleman. At the time, he was known as Viscount Duncannon. Later, he became the 3rd Earl of Bessborough.
Harriet and Frederick had four children together. Their children were John William, Frederick Ponsonby, Lady Caroline Lamb, and William Ponsonby. William later became the 1st Baron de Mauley.
Their marriage had some difficult times. However, by 1820, things improved between them. They eventually settled into a more peaceful and friendly marriage.
Friends and Interests
Harriet had many friends and people who admired her. One of her favorite younger friends was The Honourable William Lamb. He later became The 2nd Viscount Melbourne. William then fell in love with Harriet's daughter, Caroline.
Harriet was a very loyal friend. She remained friends with Richard Sheridan even when others had left him. Richard Sheridan was a famous playwright and politician. Harriet was kind to him when he was very ill in 1816.
Harriet was also very interested in politics. She often went with her sister Georgiana to political events and parties. She was also very close friends with Lady Elizabeth Foster. They were often seen together in public.
Later Years and Death
Harriet died on November 11, 1821, in Florence, Italy. She was 60 years old. Her death happened shortly after her youngest grandchild, Henry, passed away.
According to Lord David Cecil, Harriet died peacefully. She was tired from a life that had many emotional ups and downs. He described her as a woman with "indescribable distinction."
Images for kids
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Henrietta Ponsonby with her sons Frederick and John by John Hoppner (1787)
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Henrietta Frances Viscountess Duncannon, 1797
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