Mary Hill, Marchioness of Downshire facts for kids
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Mary Hill, Marchioness of Downshire, was an important British noblewoman. She was also known as the 1st Baroness Sandys in her own right (meaning she inherited the title herself, not through her husband). She was born on February 19, 1764, and passed away on August 1, 1836.
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Her Early Life and Family
Mary was born as Mary Sandys. Her father was Colonel Martin Sandys. He was the fourth son of Samuel Sandys, who was the 1st Baron Sandys. Mary's mother was Mary Trumbull. Her mother was the only child and heir of William Trumbull, whose father was Sir William Trumbull. This meant Mary came from a family with important connections and land.
Her Marriage and Children
On June 29, 1786, Mary Sandys married Arthur Hill, who was then called Viscount Fairford. He later became the 2nd Marquess of Downshire in 1793. Together, Mary and Arthur had seven children:
- Arthur Blundell Sandys Trumbull Hill, who became the 3rd Marquess of Downshire (1788–1845)
- Lt.-Gen. Arthur Moyses William Hill, who became the 2nd Baron Sandys (1792–1860)
- Lady Charlotte Hill (1794–1821)
- Lady Mary Hill (1796–1830)
- Arthur Marcus Cecil Sandys, who became the 3rd Baron Sandys (1798–1863)
- Lord Arthur Augustus Edwin Hill (1800–1831)
- Major Lord George Augusta Hill (1801–1879)
A Strong Political Voice
Mary's husband, the Marquess of Downshire, strongly disagreed with a major political decision called the Union with Ireland. This decision would join Ireland with Great Britain. Because of his strong opposition, the government removed him from some of his important local positions. Mary herself became a fierce political opponent of a powerful politician named Lord Castlereagh. She was not afraid to speak her mind on important issues.
Becoming a Baroness
Mary was the main heir to her uncle, Edwin Sandys, who was the 2nd Baron Sandys. She also inherited the lands and properties of her grandfather, William Trumbull. These included a large estate called Easthampstead Park.
Because of her family connections and her own importance, on June 19, 1802, King George III created a new title for her: Baroness Sandys. This title came with a special rule about who would inherit it next. After Mary, the title would pass to her second son, then her third, fourth, and fifth sons. Finally, if none of them had heirs, it would go to her eldest son, who had already become the Marquess of Downshire after his father.
