Anne Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland

Anne Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland VA (née Hay-Mackenzie; 21 April 1829 – 25 November 1888), 1st Countess of Cromartie in her own right and known as the Marchioness of Stafford from 1849 to 1861, was a British peeress.

Early life Anne Hay-Mackenzie was born on 21 April 1829. She was the only child of John Hay-Mackenzie of Newhall and Cromarty and the former Anne Craig. His grandfather was also the younger brother of George Hay, 7th Marquess of Tweeddale.

She later served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria from 1870 to 1874, and was awarded the Order of Victoria and Albert (3rd class).

Personal life

On 27 June 1849 she married George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Marquess of Stafford, eldest son of George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, 2nd Duke of Sutherland. He succeeded as third Duke of Sutherland on 22 February 1861. The Duchess of Sutherland had succeeded to her father's lands in the year of her marriage. Together, they had five children:

George Granville Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Earl Gower (1850–1858), who died young. and was buried at the Extra Mural Cemetery (now Barton Road Cemetery or "The Old Cemetery"), Torquay in section D (grid ref: 50.484307, -3.542972). An ornate cross mounted on a three step plinth has the following inscriptions: In Loving Memory of Anne (top step). Duchess of Sutherland Countess of Cromartie Wife of George Granville Third Duke of Sutherland Born 21 April 1829 Died 25 November 1888 (middle step). For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (bottom step).thumb She had been a devout worshipper at All Saints Church, Babbacombe, and her interment was presided over by the church's first incumbent, Father John Hewett, a personal friend of the Duchess. On her death she was succeeded in her earldom according to the special remainder by her younger son Lord Francis. The Duke of Sutherland died in 1892 and was succeeded by their eldest surviving son Cromartie.