Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sarah Lyttelton
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,_wife_of_William,_3rd_Baron_Lyttelton_by_John_Jackson_(1778-1831)_cropped.jpg)
Detail from a 19th-century portrait of Sarah, Lady Lyttelton by John Jackson
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Sarah Spencer
29 July 1787 Althorp, Northamptonshire
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| Died | Error: Death date (first date) must be later in time than the birth date (second date) Hagley, Worcestershire
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| Title | Baroness Lyttelton |
| Spouse(s) | William Lyttelton, 3rd Baron Lyttelton |
| Children | Caroline George Lyttelton, 4th Baron Lyttelton Spencer William Lavinia |
| Parent(s) | George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer Lady Lavinia Bingham |
Sarah Lyttelton, Baroness Lyttelton (born Sarah Spencer; 29 July 1787 – 13 April 1870) was an important British lady. She worked for the royal family as a governess (teacher) to the future King Edward VII. Sarah was also the wife of William Lyttelton, 3rd Baron Lyttelton.
Early Life and Family
Sarah Spencer was born on July 29, 1787, at Althorp in Northamptonshire. This was the family home of the Spencers. She was the oldest daughter of Sir George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758–1834). Her mother was Lady Lavinia Bingham (1762–1831). Sarah's father was a Whig politician. This was a major political group in Britain at the time.
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Sarah Spencer married William Henry Lyttelton in March 1813. They had been engaged for two months. In 1828, William became the Baron Lyttelton after his half-brother passed away. They then moved to live at Hagley Hall in Worcestershire.
Sarah and William had five children together. Their two daughters were Caroline (1816–1902) and Lavinia (1821–1850). They also had three sons: George (1817–1876), Spencer (1818–1889), and William (1820–1884).
Working for the Queen
Sarah Lyttelton's husband passed away in 1837. Soon after, she was offered a job as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria. This meant she would be a special helper and companion to the Queen. Sarah was a bit nervous about the role at first.
Over time, Sarah earned the respect of both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In April 1843, she was given an even more important job. She became the governess, or teacher, for the royal children. The children loved her and even when they grew up, they still called her "Laddle."
Later Years and Legacy
In 1850, Sarah's daughter, Lavinia, sadly passed away after giving birth to her fourth child. Lady Lyttelton asked Queen Victoria if she could leave her job. She wanted to return to Hagley with her other daughter, Caroline, to help care for Lavinia's children, who no longer had a mother.
Queen Victoria was very sad to see her go but understood her reasons. She allowed Sarah to resign and gave her a very generous yearly payment of 800 pounds.
Sarah Lyttelton passed away at Hagley on April 13, 1870. She was 82 years old.
In 1912, a book was published called Correspondence of Sarah Spencer, Lady Lyttelton, 1787–1870. It was edited by Maud Mary Lyttelton Wyndham.
