Margaret Fownes-Luttrell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Margaret Fownes-Luttrell
Margaret Fownes-Luttrell, Dunster Castle by Richard Phelps
Born	Margaret Luttrell 7 February 1726 Dunster Castle, Dunster, England, United Kingdom
Died	13 August 1766(1766-08-13) (aged 40) Dunster Castle, Dunster, England, United Kingdom
Resting place	Dunster Castle
Nationality	British
Spouse(s)	Henry Fownes Luttrell (1747-)

Margaret Fownes-Luttrell (7 February 1726 – 13 August 1766) was an important British lady from the 1700s. She was known as an heiress, meaning she was set to inherit a lot of property and money. Margaret was the wife of Henry Fownes Luttrell.

She was the main heir to Dunster Castle, a large and historic home. Her father's will said that her husband, Henry, had to add "Luttrell" to his last name to keep the castle in the family. You can still see several paintings of Margaret at Dunster Castle today.

Growing Up at Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle in 1733, showing the then recently planted New Way, the mansion (left), Great Gatehouse (center) and stables (right). The motte, with the summer house, is visible in the background.

Margaret Luttrell was born on February 7, 1726. She was the only child of Alexander Luttrell and his wife, Margaret Trevelyan. Her mother was also an artist who enjoyed painting flowers.

Margaret's father passed away when she was only 11 years old, in 1737. At that time, her family had some financial difficulties. Because of this, Dunster Castle was temporarily closed and managed by a court.

In 1741, Margaret's mother remarried to Edward Dyke. Young Margaret then lived with her mother and stepfather at their homes, Pixton and Tetton, in Somerset. She grew up with two other girls: her cousin, Anne Luttrell, and Edward Dyke's cousin, Elizabeth Dyke. Margaret received a good education, which included music lessons. Her mother passed away in 1764.

Marriage and Family Life

On February 16, 1747, Margaret married her second cousin, Henry Fownes. They were married at Kingston St Mary Church. Henry was from Nethway House in Devon. Both Margaret and Henry shared a great-grandfather named Edward Yard.

When they married, Dunster Castle became Henry's property. This was common at the time, as married women in England could not legally own property until much later. As her father's will stated, Henry added "Luttrell" to his last name. He also started using the Luttrell family crest.

Margaret and Henry moved into Dunster Castle. They made many updates to the castle's inside. They added beautiful Chinese painted wallpaper and new furniture in a fancy style called Rococo. They also put in new windows in the stair hall and dining room.

Margaret and Henry had a happy marriage and were blessed with ten children. Their children included:

• John Fownes Luttrell (1752–1816): He was their oldest son and inherited Dunster Castle. He also became a Member of Parliament for Minehead.
• Henry Fownes-Luttrell (1753–1777): Their second son, who passed away young.
• Alexander Fownes Luttrell (born 1754): Their third son, who became a church leader in East Quantoxhead and Minehead.
• Francis Fownes Luttrell (1756–1823): Their fourth son, who became a lawyer and also served as a Member of Parliament.
• Thomas Fownes Luttrell (1763–1811): Their fifth son.
• Margaret Fownes-Luttrell (1747–1792): Their only daughter. There are three paintings of her at Dunster Castle, including one by a famous artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds. She married John Henry Southcote and had two daughters.

Death and Burial

Margaret Fownes-Luttrell passed away on August 13, 1766. She was buried at Dunster Castle, the family home she loved.