For most of his adult life Boswell was better known for his "Account of Corsica", which lead to the sobriquet Corsica Boswell, than for his friendship with Dr. Johnson.
Elizabeth Seymour - Lady Northumberland
Elizabeth Seymour
Born Nov 26, 1716Died Dec 05, 1776
Alias:
Lady Northumberland
Elizabeth Percy
Biography:
Daughter of Algernon Seymour (1684-1750), 7th Duke of Somerset and Frances Thynne (1699-1754). Married (July 16, 1740) to Hugh Smithson, Baronet.
On the death of her father in 1750 she inherited the barony of Percy, and her husband became Earl of Northumberland. In 1766 they were elevated to Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. She was Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Charlotte from 1761 to 1770, and was known as something of a socialite, often hosting parties at Syon Park, their London home.
Life with Boswell:
Boswell wanted Lady Northumberland 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.
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