Martha Beauclerk facts for kids

Martha Beauclerk was born Martha Lovelace around 1709 or 1710. After she married, she was sometimes known as Lady Henry Beauclerk. She was an important person in the royal court of Great Britain. Martha was known for being very determined and for working hard to gain a good position in court. She lived from about 1709/1710 until March 5, 1788.

Early Life and Family

Martha Lovelace was baptized on January 10, 1710, in Westminster St James. This was after her father, John Lovelace, passed away the year before. Her mother was Catherine. Martha's father had been the Governor of New York, a very important job at the time.

Even though her family had a high social standing, Martha did not have a lot of money. However, she did inherit some land. She received the manor of Leckhampstead in Buckinghamshire. She also inherited another nearby manor called Heyborne Fields. These properties came from some distant relatives. Owning Leckhampstead also gave her the right to choose new religious leaders for the local church there.

Life at Court

Martha was very ambitious. She wanted to gain support and good positions for herself or her family members. In 1732, she became a maid of honour to Queen Caroline. This was a special role where she helped the Queen. It is thought that her family helped her get this important job.

Martha was good at making friends and building connections at court. One of her friends was Horace Walpole, a famous writer. When her brother died in 1736, both Horace Walpole and another poet named Mary Jones wrote poems for her. This shows how well-connected she was.

Marriage and Later Life

On June 25, 1739, Martha became the second wife of Lord Henry Beauclerk. Like Martha, Lord Henry had a good social position but not a lot of money. He was a younger son in his family and served in the army. He became well-known in 1727 during the Thirteenth siege of Gibraltar.

Lord Henry rose to the rank of colonel in the army. However, his military career ended suddenly. It was said that he refused to go to Minorca with his regiment. Because of this, he lost his rank and was never given another job. Horace Walpole, Martha's friend, believed the real reason was different. He thought Lord Henry was removed because he disagreed with the Duke of Cumberland during a military court case. The reason given was just an excuse.

Family and Legacy

Martha and Lord Henry Beauclerk had seven children together. Their only son, Henry, was born in 1745. He was their middle child. They also had six daughters. Diana, Henrietta, and Mary were born between 1741 and 1743. Charlotte was born in 1746, Martha in 1747, and Anne in 1749.

During her lifetime, Martha gave her son Henry the job of rector (a type of church leader) at Leckhampstead. He also inherited the manor when she passed away. Martha owned a lot of money in South Sea stock, which was like owning shares in a company. She left this money equally to any of her daughters who were not yet married.

In 1863, Martha's will was used as evidence in a legal case. This case was discussed in the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. The case was about the rights of Martha Johnson to be the 8th Baroness Wentworth.