Martha Beauclerk

Martha Beauclerk born Hon. Martha Lovelace and sometimes known after marriage as Lady Henry Beauclerk (1709/10 – 5 March 1788) was a British courtier. She was ambitious and gained preferment in court circles.

Life Beauclerk was baptised on 10 January 1710 in Westminster St James after her father died the year before. Her parents were Catherine and John Lovelace, fourth Baron Lovelace. Her father had been the Governor of New York when he died. She lacked the riches to go with her social position, This included the right to appoint new clergy to the living in Leckhampstead.

She was ambitious and set her sights on gaining patronage for herself or her family members. In 1732 due to the presumed intercession of her family she was made a maid of honour to Queen Caroline in 1732.

Death and legacy During her lifetime she had given her only son Henry the living of rector at Leckhampstead and he inherited the manor. She also owned over a thousand pounds worth of South Sea stock and this left equally to any of her daughters who were not married.

Private life She and Henry had seven children. Their middle child was Henry their only son born in 1745. The other six daughters were Diana, Henrietta and Mary (born annually between 1741 and 1743 and then Charlotte in 1746, Martha in 1747 and finally Anne who was born in 1749.