Maria Seymour-Conway, Marchioness of Hertford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Honourable
The Marchioness of Hertford
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Maria Fagnani, 3rd Marchioness of Hertford, miniature by Richard Cosway
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| Born |
Maria Emilia Fagnani
24 August 1771 |
| Died | 2 March 1856 (aged 84) |
| Spouse(s) |
Francis Seymour-Conway, 3rd Marquess of Hertford
(m. 1798; died 1842) |
| Children | 3, including Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford |
Maria Emilia Seymour-Conway, Marchioness of Hertford (née Fagnani; born August 24, 1771 – died March 2, 1856), was a British noblewoman. She was often called "Mie-Mie" by her family and friends.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Who Was Her Father?
Maria Emilia was born to Costanza Brusati, who was married to Marchese Giacomo II Fagnani. However, there was much discussion about who her real father was.
Costanza Brusati and her husband met Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke, an English aristocrat, during their travels in Europe. Costanza and the Earl of Pembroke became close. Later, Costanza met William Douglas, Earl of March, a well-known figure during King George III's time. Costanza also formed a relationship with the Earl of March.
On August 25, 1771, the Earl of March wrote a letter saying that Costanza Brusati had given birth to a daughter, Maria Emilia, the night before. He claimed to be the father. George Selwyn, a prominent politician and friend, took Maria Emilia into his care. He raised her as his own daughter. This led to rumors that George Selwyn might actually be her true father.
A Battle for Custody
Soon after Maria Emilia was born, her mother, Costanza Brusati, returned to her husband. He accepted Maria Emilia as his own child. However, Maria Emilia, known as "Mie-Mie," stayed in England. Costanza and her husband later had two more children.
In 1777, Costanza wanted Mie-Mie to return to Italy. She asked the Earl of March to help convince George Selwyn to send Mie-Mie back. The Earl of March refused to get involved. However, Selwyn was eventually forced to hand over Mie-Mie in Paris. Her mother then took her back to Milan.
Years later, in 1786, George Selwyn traveled to Italy. He wanted to convince Costanza to let Mie-Mie return to England. Costanza agreed. George Selwyn then made Mie-Mie the main heir to his wealth. The Earl of March (who became the Duke of Queensberry in 1778) was one of the richest men in Britain. When he passed away in 1810, he also left a large part of his fortune to Maria Emilia. Much of this money helped create the famous art collection known today as the Wallace Collection.
Marriage and Later Life
Becoming a Marchioness
On May 18, 1798, Maria Emilia married Francis Seymour-Conway, Earl of Yarmouth. He was the son and heir of the 2nd Marquess of Hertford. They had three children together:
- Lady Frances Maria Seymour-Conway (died 1822).
- Captain Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford (1800–1870).
- Lord Henry Seymour-Conway (1805–1859).
Life in Paris
Even though Maria Emilia was very wealthy, her husband's family did not fully accept her. This was because of the questions surrounding her birth. After her last child was born, she moved to Paris. She lived there for the rest of her life. She never divorced her husband. When her father-in-law died in 1822, she officially became the Marchioness of Hertford.
Her Impact
The story of Maria Emilia's childhood and the discussions about her parents were well-known in the high society of her time. Her husband was even parodied in a famous novel, Vanity Fair, by William Makepeace Thackery.
