Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/11/330/90
  • Title
    Letter from Harriett Yorke to Lady Lucas, written from Bonnington. [Typed transcript available]. Reference to use of Lady Lucas’ box at the theatre, enjoyed by the writer’s sister. Mr Yorke did not feel tempted to remain in Town for the purpose of seeing Miss O’Neil [Eliza O’Neil, actress of the time]. Mention of Mrs [Sarah] Siddons, and comparison of their performances. Sir Joseph [Yorke], who the writer believes escorted her sister twice, does not consider that Miss O’Neil matches Mrs Siddons.
  • Date free text
    4 Nov 1815
  • Production date
    From: 1815 To: 1815
  • Admin/biog history
    Harriet Yorke, nee Manningham born c.1763, was the daughter of Charles Manningham and his wife Ann. Her siblings were: Charles William Manningham, b. 1762, d.1849 Coote Manningham, b.c.1765, d.1809 Boyd Manningham, b. 1766 Amelia Manningham, b.1767 Elizabeth Manningham, b.1768, d. 1853 (usually referred to as Eliza or Elvira in the letters) Henry Manningham, b 1773, d. 1821 Coote Manningham married Anna Maria Pollen in 1802. Their children were: Charles Coote Manningham b 1804, d.1810 Boyd Pollen Manningham, b. 1807, d. 1831 Harriet Manningham, b,1806, d. 1824 Mary Anne Manningham, b.1802, who married Edward Buller. Coote Manningham died in 1809, and his wife died in 1822. By Anna Maria's Will, Coote’s siblings Harriet Yorke, Charles William Manningham and Elizabeth Manningham became the guardians of Coote's surviving children (Boyd, Harriet and Mary Anne). The children lived with Elizabeth. The letters contain several references to Elizabeth's "charges" and other details of this side of the family.
  • Scope and Content
    Assumes Lord and Lady Grantham will remain at Wrest till after Christmas – ‘her present mode of life must be a great contrast to the high seasoned amusements of Paris.’ Met the Montagus [Matthew & Elizabeth Montagu] in Town, returned home safe after ‘innumerable perils and dangers’ in Italy. Mention of six daughters with them in Italy and another, Mrs [Jane] Goulburn, who remained in England. ‘I should fear the tame scenes of social life in this country will appear very dull…. after … a country so full of dangers and fascinations as Italy seems now to be…’ Mention of the fate of Joachim-Napoléon Murat [married to Napoleon’s sister, Maria Carolina Bonaparte, created King of Naples; defeated at Tolentino in May 1815 and forced to flee Italy. Later in the year he returned to his former dominions, but was taken prisoner and shot.]
  • Level of description
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