Mary Ann Gibbon was the long-term mistress of Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk

Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk

Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk , styled Earl of Surrey from 1777 to 1786, was a British peer, the son of Charles Howard, 10th Duke of Norfolk and Catherine Brockholes....

 from approximately 1795 until his death in 1815. She was purportedly married to him by a Catholic priest about 1796, while the Duke's second wife was still living but residing in an insane asylum since 1772.

Gibbon lived at Norfolk House

Norfolk House

Norfolk House, at 31 St James's Square, London, was built in 1722 for the Duke of Norfolk. It was a royal residence for a short time only, when Frederick, Prince of Wales, father of King George III, lived there 1737-1741, after his marriage in 1736 to Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, daughter of...

 in London

London

London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...

 for most of this time, but is believed to have also travelled with the Duke to Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle in Arundel, West Sussex, England is a restored medieval castle. It was founded by Roger de Montgomery on Christmas Day 1067. Roger became the first to hold the earldom of Arundel by the graces of William the Conqueror...

 during his stays there. She was the mother of five of children by Duke Charles, Matthew Charles Howard-Gibbon

Matthew Howard-Gibbon

Matthew Charles Howard-Gibbon was a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. He was born Matthew Charles Howard Gibbon in London, and was the oldest son of Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk and Mary Ann Gibbon–his long-time mistress and purportedly his third wife...

, Edward Howard Howard-Gibbon

Edward Howard-Gibbon

Edward Howard Howard-Gibbon was an English surgeon, lawyer, and officer of arms. He was born Edward Howard Gibbon in London and was the second son of the Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk and Mary Ann Gibbon—the Duke's long time mistress.Edward received a formal education, became a...

, Mary Eliza Howard-Gibbon, Caroline Howard-Gibbon, and Richard Howard-Gibbon.