Photograph of Mary Emily Howard with her pet dog, late 19th century

Photograph of Mary Emily Howard with her pet dog, late 19th century
Hidden Content, Images, Videos and Documents

We hope you are enjoying browsing The Lydiard Archives. Sign up for free access to the entire contents of the Archives and receive regular updates on new collections and featured artefacts. We are uploading content daily, and we look forward to welcoming you to our free community.

Login Sign up

Studio portrait of Mary Howard with her pet dog, late 19th century.

Local girl Mary Howard was installed as the housekeeper at Lydiard House by the 5th Viscount Bolingbroke, but secretly the pair were lovers. Whilst at Lydiard Park protocols were observed but in Bath, were Lord Bolingbroke rented a property in Gay Street, the couple masqueraded as Mr and Mrs Wilson.

They married in a private ceremony in 1893, a fact not known by the wider family until the Viscount's death in 1899.

Year:
1880-1890
Type:
Photograph
Location:
Lydiard House
Owner:
Swindon Borough Council
Copyright:
Lydiard House
Last updated on:
Sunday 13th February 2022

Items of Interest

Photograph of Mary (Howard) 5th Viscountess Bolingbroke with Henry St. John c1914
Photograph of Mary (Howard) 5th Viscountess Bolingbroke with Henry St. John c1914

Lady Bolingbroke is pictured with her eldest son H...

Photograph of Lord and Lady Bolingbroke and Vernon St. John c1899
Photograph of Lord and Lady Bolingbroke and Vernon St. John c1899

Informal photograph of the 5th Viscount and Viscou...

Photograph of Lord and Lady Bolingbroke with their son Vernon St. John, c1899
Photograph of Lord and Lady Bolingbroke with their son Vernon St. John, c1899

A rare informal and affectionate family photograph...