Emily Lamb, Lady Cowper
Emily Lamb ( * April 21, 1787, † October 11, 1869 at Brocket Hall ) was an English nobleman and happening lady in London society of the Regency era. Her brother was prime minister Lord Melbourne and her husband Prime Minister Lord Palmerston.
Lamb family
Emily Lamb was born the daughter of Peniston Lamb and his wife, Elizabeth Lamb, Viscountess Melbourne, born Millbanke, to the world. Since her mother had many affairs, it is unclear who her biological father; it might have been George Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont. Emily was the fourth of five children. The Lamb family were politically active since the mid-19th century and reached to the generation of Emily Lamb the highlights of their influence.
1781 Emily Lamb's father was appointed Viscount Melbourne. Her eldest brother brother William was twice British Prime Minister, another brother, George Lamb was a playwright and journalist. The Lambs were closely associated with the Whig party and close friends of Queen Victoria.
First marriage
At the age of 18 years married Emily Lamb Lord Cowper, who was nine years older than her. Cowper was the largest landowner in Hertfordshire. He was not interested in politics and was a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was not ambitious, was considered boring and spoke very slowly, what was his wife in great contrast to the properties. Lady Cowper soon devoted himself passionately to their role in the fashionable London world and was a patron of the dreaded eating the most exclusive Almack's club.
In Almack 's Lady Cowper was seen more often in the company of Viscount Palmerston, who was nicknamed Cupid because of its various love relationships. Palmerston was a solid inventory of their parties and salons. When Lord Cowper seriously ill and his health deteriorated generally, Emily Lamb Palmerston and entered into a love relationship. This brought Palmerston, originally a Tory, in contact with reputable Whigs, especially with Emily Lamb's brother, so that he soon switched sides in 1830.
Marriage to Palmerston
Lord Cowper died in 1837, two days after the accession of Queen Victoria. This paved the way for a marriage between Emily Lamb and Lord Palmerston, but gave her age - she was 52, he 55 - raising concern. The matter was discussed with the Queen, who gave their consent, and they were married on 16 December 1839.
The couple initially settled in Broadlands down, and the relationship was considered extremely happy. Even at the age of 62 years she refused to travel alone with her old friend and admirer of Frederick Gerald Byng ( Poodle Byng ), so that Palmerston was not jealous. Her son Lord Shaftesbury reported:
"His attentions to Lady Palmerston, both already at an advanced age, were a never-ending advertising. The feeling was mutual, and I saw her regularly go out in the morning together to plant some trees, and I almost thought that they lived to eat the fruit or sit together in the shade. "
During their marriage played Lady Palmerston continue playing an active role in society as a salon lady. Your events were eagerly visited by foreign diplomats. Lord Palmerston used to encourage his wife to bring his political ideas at the meetings in circulation, and was subsequently reported the reactions of diplomats from her. So he tested unofficially the mood among the diplomats before he publicly confessed to an opinion.
Lord Palmerston died in 1865 and his wife four years later at the country seat Brocket Hall. She left behind five children from her marriage to Lord Crowper. It is believed that Palmerston was the father of her daughter Emily.