Jane Egerton, Countess of Bridgewater facts for kids
Jane Egerton, Countess of Bridgewater (born around 1656 – died May 23, 1716), was an important English noblewoman. She was the second wife of John Egerton, 3rd Earl of Bridgewater. Jane was the daughter of Charles Paulet, 1st Duke of Bolton, and his second wife, Mary Scrope.
Her Family Life
Jane Egerton and the 3rd Earl of Bridgewater had nine children together. Their family was part of the English nobility.
- Lady Mary Egerton (born 1676 – died 1704)
- Scroop Egerton, 1st Duke of Bridgewater (born 1681 – died 1745)
- Hon. William Egerton (1684–1732), who became a Member of Parliament and a soldier.
- Hon. Henry Egerton, who became a Bishop of Hereford.
- Hon. Charles Egerton (born 1694 – died 1725)
- Lady Elizabeth Egerton, who married into the Paget family.
A Family Tragedy
Two of Jane's sons, Charles Egerton (Viscount Brackley) and his younger brother Thomas, sadly died young. Charles was 11 and Thomas was 7. They died in a fire that destroyed their family home in London, called Bridgwater House. Their private tutor also died in the fire.
After this tragedy, their younger brother, Scroop, became the next in line to inherit the family's earldom.
Later Life
After her husband, the 3rd Earl, passed away, Jane was known as the "Dowager Countess of Bridgewater." This title is given to the widow of an Earl.
In 1724, a disagreement happened over how her property should be shared after her death. This led to her daughter, Elizabeth, starting a court case to resolve the issue.
