Wilhelmina Powlett, Duchess of Cleveland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Cleveland
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The Duchess of Cleveland in an 1883 portrait by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Durham
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| Born |
Lady Catherine Lucy Wilhelmina Stanhope
1 June 1819 |
| Died | 18 May 1901 (aged 81) |
| Other names | Lady Dalmeny Lady Harry Vane |
| Occupation | Historian, genealogist |
| Spouse(s) |
Harry Powlett, 4th Duke of Cleveland
(m. 1854; died 1891) |
| Children | Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery |
| Parent(s) | Philip Henry Stanhope, 4th Earl Stanhope Hon. Catherine Lucy Smith |
Catherine Lucy Wilhelmina Powlett, also known as the Duchess of Cleveland, was an English historian. She was born on June 1, 1819, and passed away on May 18, 1901. She was also known as Lady Dalmeny and Lady Harry Vane. She is famous for her book, The Battle Abbey Roll, published in 1889. This book was about the history of Norman families.
Contents
About Wilhelmina: A Life Story
Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope was the third child in her family. She was the only daughter of Philip Henry Stanhope, 4th Earl Stanhope. Her mother was Catherine Lucy Smith. Wilhelmina was called by one of her middle names to avoid confusion with her mother.
Wilhelmina's Royal Connections
Wilhelmina was the mother of Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery. Her son later became the prime minister for Queen Victoria. He served for 15 months starting in March 1894.
In 1837, when Victoria became Queen, Lady Wilhelmina was thought to be the most beautiful woman at the royal court. She was a Maid of Honour at the Queen's coronation ceremony. She also served as a bridesmaid at Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert.
Wilhelmina's Books and Writings
Wilhelmina wrote several important history books. Here are some of her famous works:
- The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages (1889): This book has three volumes. It tells short stories about the origins of many English families. These families were of Norman origin. The stories are based on names supposedly found in the famous Battle Abbey Roll.
- You can read the first volume online here: Vol.1, London, 1889
- The second volume is available here: Vol.2, London, 1889
- And the third volume can be found here: Vol.3, London, 1889
- You can also find all three volumes with an index online at: [1]
- The True Story of Kaspar Hauser from Official Documents (1893): This book is about Kaspar Hauser. He was a young man who appeared in Nuremberg in 1828. He became famous because he claimed he was raised alone in a dark room. He could not remember anything about his past. Wilhelmina's father had helped Kaspar Hauser.
- The Life and Letters of Lady Hester Stanhope (1914): This book is about Wilhelmina's father's half-sister, Lady Hester Stanhope. Lady Hester was a traveler and an Arabist. She died in Syria at age 63.
Wilhelmina's Marriages and Family
Wilhelmina was married two times.
First Marriage: Lord Dalmeny
Her first marriage was in October 1843. She married Archibald Primrose, Lord Dalmeny. He was the oldest son of Archibald Primrose, 4th Earl of Rosebery. Wilhelmina met him three months before their wedding at a ball at Buckingham Palace.
They had two sons and two daughters together. Lord Dalmeny passed away early from heart failure. Their oldest son, also named Archibald, became an Earl. He later served as prime minister.
- Lady Constance Evelyn Primrose (died 1939): She married Henry Wyndham, 2nd Baron Leconfield. They had children.
- Lady Mary Catherine Constance Primrose (born around 1845 – died 1935): She married Henry Walter Hope. They also had children.
- Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery (1847 – 1929)
- Everard Henry Primrose (1848 – 1885): He never married.
Second Marriage: Lord Harry Vane
Wilhelmina married a second time in 1854. She married Lord Harry Vane. He was the youngest son of William Vane, 1st Duke of Cleveland. In 1864, Lord Harry Vane became the Duke of Cleveland after his brother passed away. He also changed his last name to Powlett.
Wilhelmina and Lord Harry Vane did not have any children together. When the Duke of Cleveland died, most of his titles ended. Only the barony of Barnard title continued.
