Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue

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Reference
L30/11/323/27
Title
Letter from Agneta Yorke to Amabel Hume-Campbell, Lady Polwarth, sent from Tittenhanger. [Typed manuscript available].
Date free text
22 Aug 1782
Production date
From: 1782 To: 1782
Scope and Content
Writer has returned from a 2 day visit to Hamels; much prejudiced in favour of daughter in law [stepson Philip Yorke married Lady Elizabeth Scot Lindsay in Jul 1872]. Remarks that she had no great expectations if her sisters were to be considered as specimens of the family. Refers to the wedding 'I believe there was never a wedding between two people of rank, and where the fortune was so considerable on one side, celebrated with so little ostentation; indeed without any.' Hamels is still in confusion, much litter to be cleared away and furniture added before it can be comfortable. Mention of the death of Mr [Robert] Child. Lord & Lady Westmorland are constantly with poor Mrs Child, who is at her house in Berkeley Square. By his Will, Child has left everything to his wife for life, an annuity of £2,000 to Lady Westmorland, with a further £4,000 annuity on Mrs Child's death; the residue to her second son on condition he he takes and name and arms of Child, in failure of a second son, a daughter, whose husband must also submit to the same condition of forfeit the estate. However, in the case of two heirs, he has made no provision, so if Lady Westmorland outlives her mother, all will be hers as heir at law. Lord Westmorland is extremely mortified, and may thank his own temper for what has happened. [Sarah Anne Child, daughter of Robert, married John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmorland against her father's wishes, at Gretna Green on 20 May 1782. Child consequently cut his daughter and her sons and their descendants out of his will, and made his daughter's daughters his heirs to prevent the Fanes from benefitting from this elopement. Their eldest daughter, Lady Sarah Sophia Fane (1785–1867), made testamentary heiress of her maternal grandfather, married George Child-Villiers, 5th Earl of Jersey; her husband assumed the additional surname of Child] Thinks Lord Hardwicke will take the Kingsgate, a good and convenient house. Mention of Lady Beauchamp going th Margate for the summer. Writer is hoping for a letter from son Joseph, as a cutter arrived from Jamaica. Hope a letter will bring news of when he will return.
Level of description
item