Papers of Amelie-Julie-Charlotte Castelnau (1819-1897), Lady Wallace

Amelie-Julie-Charlotte Castelnau (1819-1897), Lady Wallace, married Richard Wallace in 1871 having been his mistress for several years. It is said the disapproval of the 4th Marquess prevented them from marrying earlier. She is thought to have been an assistant in a perfumer's shop when she met Richard Wallace. Unable to speak English she never really adapted to living in Britain however she remained at Hertford House following Richard Wallace's return to France in 1887. She led a secluded life at Hertford House and relied heavily on her secretary John Murray Scott. On Richard Wallace's death in 1890 he bequeathed her all of his property. When Lady Wallace died in 1897 she left the portion of her husband's collection which were stored on the ground and first floors of Hertford House to the nation, this was almost certainly following the wishes of Sir Richard Wallace. The vast remainder of her estate she left to John Murray Scott. The papers include a pamphlet, the Polka written for Lady Wallace and copies of the Will.