Lavinia Spencer, Countess Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Countess Spencer
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Lavinia, Countess Spencer by Joshua Reynolds
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lavinia Bingham
1762 |
| Died | 1831 (aged 68–69) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer |
| Children | John Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton Hon. Richard Spencer Sir Robert Cavendish Spencer Georgiana Charlotte, Lady George Quin Frederick Spencer, 4th Earl Spencer Ignatius Spencer |
| Parents | Charles Bingham, 1st Earl of Lucan Margaret Bingham |
| Occupation | Illustrator |
Lavinia Spencer, Countess Spencer (born Lavinia Bingham; 1762 – 1831) was a talented British artist. She was known for her illustrations and for being a leading hostess in London society.
Early Life and Family Background
Lavinia Bingham was born in 1762. Her father was Charles Bingham, 1st Earl of Lucan, an important Irish nobleman. Her mother, Margaret Smyth, was also an artist. She was known for painting small, detailed portraits. Lavinia was the oldest daughter in her family. She grew up with three sisters and one brother, named Richard.
Marriage and Family Life
Even though Lavinia did not have a large dowry (money or property given by the bride's family), George Spencer, Viscount Althorp, fell deeply in love with her. He asked her to marry him. George's parents, Lord and Lady Spencer, agreed to the marriage. They thought Lavinia was pretty, smart, and had good morals.
The young couple got married on March 6, 1782. They had eight children together:
- John Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer (1782–1845)
- Lady Sarah Spencer (1787–1870). She married William Lyttelton, 3rd Baron Lyttelton. Lady Sarah later became a governess to the children of Queen Victoria.
- Hon. Richard Spencer (1789–1791). He sadly died when he was very young.
- Captain Hon. Sir Robert Cavendish Spencer (1791–1830). He was a naval officer and died at sea.
- Lady Harriet Spencer (born and died 1793). She also died as a baby.
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- Lady Georgiana Charlotte Spencer (1794–1823). She married Lord George Quin.
- Vice-Admiral Frederick Spencer, 4th Earl Spencer (1798–1857). He became a high-ranking naval officer.
- The Very Reverend Hon. George Spencer (later known as Father Ignatius Spencer (1799–1864). He became a priest.
In 1783, George Spencer became the 2nd Earl Spencer after his father passed away. He was also a rising politician. Earl and Countess Spencer lived in grand homes like Althorp and Spencer House, London. They often hosted important political and intellectual leaders of their time.
Historians describe Countess Spencer as a very intelligent and charming woman. She was known as one of the best hostesses in London society.
Artistic Works
Lavinia Spencer was a skilled illustrator. One of her drawings, called A Pinch of Snuff, was featured in a book from 1905 titled Women Painters of the World. She also worked with an engraver named Mariano Bovi. He created engravings based on her original drawings.
Images for kids
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A Pinch of Snuff
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Nice Supper, engraved by Bovi
