Mary Anne Disraeli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Viscountess Beaconsfield
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| Born |
Mary Anne Evans
11 November 1792 |
| Died | 15 December 1872 (aged 80) |
| Spouse(s) | Benjamin Disraeli |
Mary Anne Disraeli (born Mary Anne Evans) was an important British lady from the 1800s. She was known as the 1st Viscountess Beaconsfield. She was married to Benjamin Disraeli, a famous British politician who later became Prime Minister. Mary Anne was known for her lively personality and her strong support for her husband.
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Mary Anne's Early Life and First Marriage
Mary Anne Evans was born on November 11, 1792. Her family lived in Brampford Speke, a village near Exeter in Devon, England. She was the only daughter of John Viney-Evans and Eleanor Scrope-Viney.
In 1815, Mary Anne married Wyndham Lewis. He was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was a politician in the British government. Wyndham Lewis was also a colleague of Benjamin Disraeli. Sadly, Wyndham Lewis passed away in 1838.
Marriage to Benjamin Disraeli
In August 1839, Mary Anne married Benjamin Disraeli in London. She was about 12 years older than him. Mary Anne had a good amount of money from her first marriage. This money helped Benjamin Disraeli buy a large estate called Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire. This allowed him to live like a wealthy English gentleman.
Mary Anne was a great help to her husband. She often helped him edit the books he wrote. She also took care of him for 30 years. She once joked that Benjamin married her for her money, but he would marry her again for love. Their romance lasted until she died.
Becoming Viscountess Beaconsfield
Benjamin Disraeli became a very important politician. He served the country so well that Queen Victoria wanted to give him a special title. This would make him a "peer," which meant he would join the House of Lords.
However, Benjamin Disraeli wanted to stay in the House of Commons. This was the part of Parliament where he could speak and vote on laws. So, in 1868, his wife Mary Anne accepted the title instead. She became Viscountess Beaconsfield. This title was named after the town of Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire. After Mary Anne passed away, Benjamin Disraeli later accepted a similar title himself.
Mary Anne's Lively Personality
Mary Anne was known for her fun and sometimes surprising way of speaking. She had a very open and lively personality. Some people from that time, who were more serious, were sometimes shocked by her comments. But they quickly learned not to say anything bad about her when Benjamin Disraeli was around!
Even Queen Victoria found Mary Anne amusing. Once, Mary Anne made a funny comment about her husband, "Dizzy," which was his nickname. Another time, at a party, she joked about sleeping between two famous men. She said she had slept between the greatest soldier and the greatest speaker of their time. These stories show her unique and bold character.
Later Life and Passing
In the spring of 1872, Mary Anne became very ill. It became clear that she was suffering from stomach cancer. She felt a little better for a while and even went on a summer trip with her husband. In November, she was well enough to host a small dinner party for close friends.
However, her health quickly got worse. Mary Anne passed away on December 15, 1872, at the age of 80. Benjamin Disraeli was heartbroken. He wrote that she was the most cheerful and brave woman he had ever known. He said she could make any problem seem smaller and face any difficulty.
Even Benjamin Disraeli's political rival, William Ewart Gladstone, sent him a letter of sympathy. Disraeli was touched by this kind gesture. He replied that "Marriage is the greatest earthly happiness when founded on mutual sympathy."
Mary Anne Disraeli is buried with her husband in a vault. This vault is in the Church of St Michael and All Angels Church in Hughenden, Buckinghamshire. This church is very close to their home, Hughenden Manor. The National Trust now looks after Hughenden Manor. It is kept just as it was when the Disraelis lived there. You can visit it today!
Images for kids
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Coronet of a Viscountess
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The coat of arms for Viscountess Beaconsfield
