Letters from Elizabeth Seymour (née Percy), Duchess of Somerset

This material is held atThe Devonshire Collection Archives, Chatsworth

  • Reference
    • GB 2495 CS1/117
  • Dates of Creation
    • [c. 1707] - 21 July 1715
  • Physical Description
    • 4 items

Scope and Content

These letters from Elizabeth Percy are written to Mary Cavendish (née Butler), Duchess of Devonshire to the 1st Duke, and to her aunt Lady Russell.

To Mary Cavendish she writes of: the Queen's health including still being lame but travelling out in her coach when the weather permits; the Queen's gratitude at Lady Devonshire's enquiries after her; her own health including suffering from pain in her face which has hindered her ability to write; her slow recovery aided by letting blood; her intention to visit Lady Devonshire whilst in town; her gladness that Lady Devonshire intends to visit Windsor; her hope that she will meet Lady Harborough (who has had gout) when she comes to Windsor; falling over in a chair whilst in waiting at Windsor; her thanks to Lady Devonshire for lending her lodgings.

To her aunt she writes her thanks for the wishes for the marriage of her son and mentions her belief that the match is a good one with his new wife of good nature. She mentions that the Duke of Somerset has gone to Petworth but will be called back by the news of the Pretender coming from France and her hope that it does not result in war at home.