Jane Stanhope, Countess of Harrington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Stanhope
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| Countess of Harrington | |
Jane Fleming displaying an "air of icy self-confidence", as depicted by Sir Joshua Reynolds in c. 1778–1779.
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| Born | Jane Fleming 23 May 1755 |
| Died | 3 February 1824 |
| Noble family | Fleming (by birth) Stanhope (by marriage) |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Issue | Charles Stanhope, 4th Earl of Harrington Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford Leicester Stanhope, 5th Earl of Harrington |
| Father | Sir John Fleming, 1st Baronet |
| Mother | Jane Coleman |
| Occupation | Socialite |
Jane Stanhope, born Jane Fleming (May 23, 1755 – February 3, 1824), was an important lady in British society. She was known for hosting parties and inherited a lot of money. She also worked for Queen Charlotte, who was the wife of King George III.
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Jane Fleming's Early Life
Jane Fleming was the oldest of five children. Her parents were Sir John Fleming, 1st Baronet and Jane Coleman. She also had a younger sister named Seymour Dorothy Fleming.
When her father passed away in 1763, Jane and her sisters inherited a huge amount of money. They became co-heiresses to a fortune of £100,000.
At 23 years old, Jane Fleming became engaged to Charles Stanhope, Viscount Petersham. He was two years older than her and a war hero. He had just returned to England from North America.
Charles's father, the 2nd Earl of Harrington, owed a lot of money. Because of this, the families had long talks about the marriage. This caused the wedding to be delayed.
By October 1778, people started to wonder if the wedding would ever happen. But then, Charles became the Earl of Harrington when his father died the next April. The wedding finally took place in London on May 23.
Life as Countess of Harrington
The new Countess of Harrington was soon admired for her kindness. She quickly paid off the debts her husband had inherited. She also helped buy back Stable Yard House in St James's.
The money she brought into the marriage helped her husband. He was able to create an infantry regiment. The couple then traveled to Jamaica in 1780 with his new soldiers.
When they came back a year later, Lady Harrington became famous for her style. She was also known for her beauty. She and Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire were called "the best dressed ladies." This was at a big party held by the Duchess in September 1782.
Lady Harrington enjoyed a happy family life. She had lovely children and many things that made life good. She was often compared to her mother-in-law, Caroline Stanhope, Countess of Harrington.
Jane was also a talented painter. She helped John Glover start his career as an art teacher in the early 1790s. She might have even taken lessons from him.
She knew Sir Joshua Reynolds very well. He painted two famous pictures of her. He also painted portraits of her mother, sister, and brother-in-law.
In 1794, she became a lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Charlotte. Queen Charlotte was the wife of King George III. Lady Harrington was a favorite of the Queen. She served as a lady of the Bedchamber until the Queen's death in 1818.
Later Years
Lord and Lady Harrington remained popular even as they grew older. One person who knew them noted their constant tea-drinking. They said that the teapot was always being refilled in their home.
Lady Harrington passed away before her husband. She died at St James's Palace on February 3, 1824. She was buried at Westminster Abbey on February 12.
Jane Stanhope's Children
Jane and Charles had several children together:
- Charles Stanhope, 4th Earl of Harrington (1780–1851).
- Maj-Gen. Hon. Lincoln Edwin Robert Stanhope (1781–1840).
- Anna Maria Stanhope, Duchess of Bedford (1783–1857). She was married to Francis Russell, 7th Duke of Bedford.
- Leicester FitzGerald Charles Stanhope, 5th Earl of Harrington (1784–1862).
- Rev. Hon. FitzRoy Henry Richard Stanhope (1787–1864). He was a church leader.
- Maj. Hon. Sir Francis Charles Stanhope (1788–1862).
- Rev. Hon. Henry William Stanhope (1790–1872). He was also a church leader.
- Lady Caroline Anne Stanhope (1791–1853).
- Lady Charlotte Augusta Stanhope (1793–1859). She was married to Augustus Frederick FitzGerald, 3rd Duke of Leinster.
- Hon. Augustus Stanhope (1794–1831).
