Anne Wellesley (1788-1875)
Born 1788
Died 19 March 1875
Married 23 July 1816
Lord Charles Cavendish-Bentinck
Lieutenant-Colonel
Born 3 October 1780
Died 28 April 1826
Her fine complexion, enormous dark eyes as well as her musical talents
were inherited from her grandfather, the first Lord Mornington. As well
she was regarded as one of the beauties of Regency London. However, though
she might display her talents on the harp or piano, she kept her temperamental
explosions for indoors.
On 3 July 1806 she married Sir William Abdy, 7th Baronet, but after
nine years their marriage was still childless. Anne could not fail to be
attractive to her husband's men friends: there were the fascinating Frederick
Lamb, a well-known philanderer, and Lord Charles Bentinck, a widower of
thirty-six. However, her mother and sister thoroughly disapproved of the
visits of these unattached beaux.
On the 5th of September 1815 she eloped with Lord Charles Bentinck,
leaving behind incriminating letters giving proof of their intrigue being
of some long standing. On 25 June 1816 she was divorced and, on 23 July
1816, married Lord Charles Cavendish-Bentinck. On 1 September 1816 their
first child, Anne, was born, to be followed by three more children.
Source: Leo van de Pas |