Selina Bridgeman

Selina Louisa Bridgeman, Countess of Bradford (born Selina Louise Weld-Forester; 17 February 1819 – 25 November 1894) was a British peeress. Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli was her admirer and he wrote her over 1,000 letters.

Early life Bridgeman was born on 17 February 1819 at the family home, Willey Park, Shropshire.

Her paternal grandparents were Anne ( Townshend) Forester and Lt-Col. Cecil Forester, MP for Wenlock. Her maternal grandparents were Charles Manners, 4th Duke of Rutland and Lady Mary Isabella Somerset (a daughter of the 4th Duke of Beaufort). Lady Florence Katharine Bridgeman (1859–1943), who married Henry Lascelles, 5th Earl of Harewood. George Cecil Orlando Bridgeman, 4th Earl of Bradford (1845–1915).

In 1865 her husband became the 3rd Earl of Bradford. In 1871 she and her husband lived at Weston Park. Disraeli began writing letters and in time passionate letters to "Dearest Lady Bradford". He also wrote admiring letters to her sister, Anne Stanhope, Countess of Chesterfield. He became Prime Minister and appointed Selina's husband to be master of the horse as it would enable Selina to "ride in Royal Carriages". She and Disraeli became close friends. and Disraeli just wanted to be closer to Selina. Anne refused.