Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/11/330/100
  • Title
    Letter from Harriett Yorke to Countess de Grey, written from Bonnington, near Ware, Hertfordshire. Writer has been suffering from a severe return of her painful compliant, and an almost entire confinement to her ‘sopha’; was also anxious for the health of Lady St. Germans, and since experienced real sorrow for her loss [Caroline Eliot, nee Yorke died Jul 1818].
  • Date free text
    30 Sep 1818
  • Production date
    From: 1818 To: 1818
  • 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
    Lady de Grey probably heard an account of Mr Yorkes melancholy journey to Port Eliot from the writer’s sister. The writer accompanied Mr Yorke to Town, the main purpose being to see Lady Elizabeth. Returned to Bonnington on Monday last, and left the Hardwickes, Lady Pollington and Lady Elizabeth at St. James’ Square. Sir Joseph is to escort Lady Elizabeth to Paris, and will remain there for a fortnight or more. Lady Pollington will return with her little tribe to the north on Saturday next, and the Hardwickes are to visit Lord & Lady Colchester in Sussex before they settle for the winter at Wimpole. Mrs [Agneta] Yorke is better than the writer had hoped she would be after the great trial her nerves have sustained and her great loss [death of her daughter Caroline]. Miss Beauchamp [niece] accompanied her to Bath, and stayed about three weeks. She has now returned home, but will return in November and probably remain with Agneta for the winter. Mrs Yorke requires a companion now, as she has she has difficulty writing from a severe attack of rheumatism in her right hand. The writer was pleased to hear that Lord St German had visited Newby, and is improved in health and spirits. He has to return to Port Eliot for business during the next month, but will probably settle in Town early in the winter. Reference to the failing health of the Queen [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, queen consort of George III, who died 17 November 1818]. Would be much obliged for a side of venison. Sorry to hear that Lady Sarah Robinson had not been well. Mention of discoveries made in Egypt and the explorer and archaeologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni.
  • Level of description
    item
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