Archives

The tragic story of Lady Mary Campbell
Category: 18th century 19th century Published on: 3rd April 2021

In 1752 Mary Meredith married Laurence Shirley, 4th Earl Ferrers. Her parents must have been well pleased that their...

The Favourite
Category: 18th century women’s history Published on: 20th January 2019

Have you seen The Favourite, the story of Queen Anne, her long-time favourite Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough and the...

Croome Court
Category: 18th century Published on: 30th July 2016

“Welcome to my office,” said Joe as he led the Friends of Lydiard Park group from the visitor’s centre along a winding...

Lady Mary St John
Category: 18th century women’s history Published on: 3rd April 2016

Lady Mary Kerr married Frederick St John in December 1788. She had just celebrated her 21st birthday and he was soon to turn...

Henrietta, Louisa and Elizabeth Molesworth
Category: 18th century women’s history Published on: 2nd September 2014

There appears to have been some confusion concerning the portraits of the three Molesworth sisters in the Springhill...

Mary O'Brien, 3rd Countess of Orkney
Category: 18th century house history women’s history Published on: 28th July 2014

There's nothing that excites me more than finding a family with multiple links to the St Johns of Lydiard Park - I know,...

Elizabeth Malet Palk - married by owl light
Category: 18th century women’s history Published on: 6th January 2014

When Horace married Elizabeth they tied the knot 'at half past seven by owl light.' Now doesn't that sound magical - I shall...

Elizabeth Hervey, Countess of Bristol
Category: 17th century 18th century women’s history Published on: 28th April 2013

Elizabeth Felton was born on December 18, 1676 the only daughter of Betty and Sir Thomas Felton. One cannot help but wonder...

The Three Wives of General Frederick St John
Category: 18th century 19th century women’s history Published on: 24th February 2013

It has to be said that the St John men didn't make very good husbands, but that didn't stop them from trying! Frederick St...

Henrietta, Lady Luxborough
Category: 18th century women’s history Published on: 4th February 2013

The St John ladies of Lydiard Park certainly had a penchant for gardening.  From Johanna, famous for her herbal remedies,...