Biography

Elizabeth Seymour. (1716-1776) (aka. Lady Northumberland)

Lady Northumberland, Duchess of Northumberland. Daughter of Algernon Seymour, 7th Duke of Somerset. Married to Hugh Percy (orig. Hugh Smithson), Earl of Northumberland in 1762, and 1st Duke of Northumberland from 1766. Quite the socialite who often hosted grand parties in her London home.

Life with James Boswell:

Boswell wanted the Duchess to advance his wish for a military position. He went to the parties at Northumberland House several times, and initially believed himself to be a favourite of the Duchess. On Dec 27, 1762 Boswell wrote a letter to the Duchess requesting her help to get a position in the Guard. on Dec 13, 1762 he visited her and she told him, that she would recommend him to Lord Granby (1721-1770), Colonel of the Royal Horse Guards. (Link)

External links:

• Portraits of Elizabeth Seymour - at the National Portrait Gallery
• A history of Syon Park - The London home of the Duke of Northumberland - also a short history of the family itself. Ills.

This article was last updated at February 07 2008 13:06:11 CET

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