Anna Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury
Encyclopedia
Anna Maria Talbot (1642 – 20 April 1702) was Countess of Shrewsbury from 1659 to 1668, by virtue of her marriage to Francis Talbot, 11th Earl of Shrewsbury
.
She was the eldest daughter of Robert Brudenell, who succeeded to the earldom of Cardigan in 1663. She married Francis Talbot
, the Earl of Shrewsbury
on 10 January 1659, and they had one son, Charles Talbot, 1st Duke of Shrewsbury
.
In 1667, the countess embarked on an affair with George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham
, and the earl challenged Villiers to a duel. The countess is said to have been present, disguised as a boy, and to have held the duke's horse. Her husband died of the injuries inflicted on him in the duel.
For a time, the Duke of Buckingham kept Anna Maria as his mistress in his family home. Their affair was finally broken off in 1673. The countess went to France and spent some time in a convent. She later returned to Britain and re-married, a George Rodney Brydges.
The former countess continued to be a famous beauty. Her portrait was painted by Sir Peter Lely
and is held by the National Portrait Gallery in London. She is mentioned in the diary of Samuel Pepys
, and the folk dance, "Anna Maria", is thought to have been named after her.
Francis Talbot, 11th Earl of Shrewsbury
Francis Talbot, 11th Earl of Shrewsbury, 11th Earl of Waterford was an English peer, the second son of the 10th Earl of Shrewsbury....
.
She was the eldest daughter of Robert Brudenell, who succeeded to the earldom of Cardigan in 1663. She married Francis Talbot
Francis Talbot, 11th Earl of Shrewsbury
Francis Talbot, 11th Earl of Shrewsbury, 11th Earl of Waterford was an English peer, the second son of the 10th Earl of Shrewsbury....
, the Earl of Shrewsbury
Earl of Shrewsbury
Earl of Shrewsbury is a hereditary title of nobility created twice in the peerage of England.-First creation, 1074:The first creation occurred in 1074 for Roger de Montgomerie, one of William the Conqueror's principal counselors...
on 10 January 1659, and they had one son, Charles Talbot, 1st Duke of Shrewsbury
Charles Talbot, 1st Duke of Shrewsbury
Charles Talbot, 1st Duke of Shrewsbury, KG, PC was an English statesman. Born to Roman Catholic parents, he remained in that faith until 1679 when—during the time of the Popish Plot and following the advice of the divine John Tillotson—he converted to the Church of England...
.
In 1667, the countess embarked on an affair with George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham
George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham
George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, 20th Baron de Ros of Helmsley, KG, PC, FRS was an English statesman and poet.- Upbringing and education :...
, and the earl challenged Villiers to a duel. The countess is said to have been present, disguised as a boy, and to have held the duke's horse. Her husband died of the injuries inflicted on him in the duel.
For a time, the Duke of Buckingham kept Anna Maria as his mistress in his family home. Their affair was finally broken off in 1673. The countess went to France and spent some time in a convent. She later returned to Britain and re-married, a George Rodney Brydges.
The former countess continued to be a famous beauty. Her portrait was painted by Sir Peter Lely
Peter Lely
Sir Peter Lely was a painter of Dutch origin, whose career was nearly all spent in England, where he became the dominant portrait painter to the court.-Life:...
and is held by the National Portrait Gallery in London. She is mentioned in the diary of Samuel Pepys
Samuel Pepys
Samuel Pepys FRS, MP, JP, was an English naval administrator and Member of Parliament who is now most famous for the diary he kept for a decade while still a relatively young man...
, and the folk dance, "Anna Maria", is thought to have been named after her.