Mary Cowper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary Cowper
Portrait of Mary Cowper by (Circle of) Sir Godfrey Kneller.
Born	Mary Clavering 1685
Died	5 February 1724
Nationality	British

Mary, Countess Cowper (born Mary Clavering) lived from 1685 to 1724. She was an English courtier, meaning she worked at the royal court. Mary was also known for writing a diary that shared details about her life and the court. She was married to William Cowper, 1st Earl Cowper, who became a very important judge and politician.

Mary Cowper's Life Story

Becoming Part of the Court

In September 1706, Mary Clavering, who was 20 years old, secretly married William Cowper. William's first wife had passed away the year before. Mary was known for her beauty.

Just a few months later, William received special titles. He became a "baronet" and then a "peer," which meant he was given the title of Baron Cowper. This made him a lord.

Working with Queen Anne

In May 1707, Queen Anne chose William Cowper to be the first "Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain." This was a very important job, like being the chief judge and a top advisor to the Queen.

Queen Anne thought highly of William. She valued his advice and even called him "her schoolboy" because he looked so young. When his political group left power in 1710, the Queen really wanted William to stay. She accepted his resignation with "tears in her eyes."

Life with King George I

After Queen Anne died, William was chosen as one of the "Lords Justices." These were people who helped govern the country until King George I arrived in England.

King George then made William Lord Chancellor again. For a while, the King trusted him greatly, though they later had disagreements.

Mary's Role at Court

Mary became a "Lady of the Bedchamber" to Caroline, Princess of Wales. This meant she was a close attendant to the Princess. Mary quickly used her new position and her ability to speak fluent French to help her husband.

William did not speak French, so Mary acted as a go-between for him. On her first day with the Princess, Mary gave her a special document. It was a report that Mary had copied and translated into both French and English for her husband to give to the King.

Mary's Diaries

In April 1718, Earl Cowper (William) left his job as Lord Chancellor and moved to his country home. However, Mary continued to work at court as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Princess Caroline.

Mary wrote about the events at court in her diaries. Some of her diaries were later destroyed by Mary herself. But the parts covering October 1714 to October 1716 and April to May 1720 were published in 1864.

Mary wrote very well and had a clever sense of humor. For example, she described the difficult marriage of a bishop to a lady of the Royal Bedchamber. She also noted that her close friend, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, "loved power even more than the Duke (her husband) did."

Later Years and Family

Lord Cowper became ill and passed away on October 10, 1723. He died at his home, Cole Green, in Hertford. Mary was very sad and died just a few months later.

Lord Cowper and Mary had two sons and two daughters. Their younger son, Spencer, became a religious leader called the Dean of Durham. Mary was also the great-aunt (by marriage) of the famous poet, William Cowper.