Mary Herbert

Mary Herbert (1686–1775), also known as Doña Maria Herbert de Powis, was a British-Spanish businesswoman.

Early life and education She was a Catholic from a noble family in Wales, whose seat was at Powis Castle. For this reason, she is sometimes referred to as Doña Maria Herbert de Powis in Spanish sources. She was the daughter of William Herbert, 2nd Marquess of Powis and Mary Preston Herbert, Marchioness of Powis.

She was educated at a convent school in Ghent. On finishing school, she went to live with her paternal aunt Anne Herbert Smith, Viscountess Carington (wife of Francis Smith, 2nd Viscount Carrington) in Paris. While there, she turned down a proposal from a man named Harry Bedingfeld.