Theresa Vane-Tempest-Stewart, Marchioness of Londonderry explained

Honorific-Prefix:The Most Honourable
The Marchioness of Londonderry
Birth Name:Lady Theresa Susey Helen Chetwynd-Talbot
Birth Date:6 June 1856
Birth Place:Ingestre Hall, Staffordshire, England
Nationality:British
Occupation:Socialite, political hostess
Children:
Parents:Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 19th Earl of Shrewsbury
Anna Theresa Cockerell

Theresa Susey Helen Vane-Tempest-Stewart, Marchioness of Londonderry (née Chetwynd-Talbot; 6 June 1856 – 16 March 1919) was a British socialite and political hostess. She was a leading Unionist campaigner against Irish Home Rule, serving as president of the Ulster Women's Unionist Council from 1913 to 1919. She was said to be one of the most "dominating feminine personalities" of the time and was referred to as the "Queen of Toryism" and a "highwaywoman in a tiara."

Early life

thumb|left|Lady Theresa Chetwynd-Talbot and her brother, Viscount Ingestre, by Valentine Cameron PrinsepShe was born was born Lady Theresa Chetwynd-Talbot in 6 June 1856 at Ingestre Hall, her family's estate in Staffordshire. She was the elder daughter of Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 19th Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife Anna Theresa Cockerell (1836–1912). She was brought up with conservative values and was interested in politics. She was an admirer of Benjamin Disraeli.

Marriage

She married Charles Vane-Tempest, Viscount Castlereagh, later the 6th Marquess of Londonderry, in the private chapel of Alton Hall in 1875. They were both leading Unionist campaigners against Irish independence.[1] She was the President of the Ulster Women's Unionist Council.[2] In 1893, she organised a petition of 20,000 women from Ulster to oppose the 1893 Home Rule bill in parliament.[1]

She was considered the leading Tory hostess and entertained at the couples' houses at Wynyard Park, County Durham, Mount Stewart, County Down, Northern Ireland, and Londonderry House in London. Their guests included royalty.[3] She was said to be one of the "dominating feminine personalities" of the time.[4] She was referred to as the "Queen of Toryism" and a "highwaywoman in a tiara."[2] She was said to be more persuasive than her husband, but they were united in their interests. She was not faithful to her husband.[5]

In 1909 her portrait was made by John Singer Sargent. The painting is now held by the National Trust at Mount Stewart in County Down.[6]

The couple had two sons and one daughter:

Lady Londonderry was widowed in 1915 and died in 1919.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Finley-Bowman. Rachel E. May 2003. An Ideal Unionist: The Political Career of Theresa, Marchioness of Londonderry, 1911-1919. Journal of International Women's Studies. 4. 3. 15–29.
  2. News: Ulster Covenant: Women's signature role in the fight against Home Rule . Belfast Telegraph .
  3. Web site: The Dictionary of Ulster Biography . 2022-10-04 . www.newulsterbiography.co.uk.
  4. Book: Hyde, Harford Montgomery . The Londonderrys, a Family Portrait . 1979 . H. Hamilton . 978-0-241-10153-7 . en.
  5. Web site: Stewart, Charles Stewart Vane - Tempest Dictionary of Irish Biography . 2022-10-04 . www.dib.ie . en.
  6. Web site: National Trust . Theresa Susey Helen Talbot, Marchioness of Londonderry (1855 -1919) 1542320 . 2022-10-04 . www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk . en.
  7. "Marriage of Lord Stavordale and Lady Helen Stewart". The Times. No. 36675. London. 27 January 1902. p. 11