On this day in 1819 Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace. To celebrate 200 years since the monarch’s birth we look back on Knebworth’s shared history with Queen Victoria.
Victor, 2nd Earl of Lytton, was born on 9th August 1876 in India. His father Robert was the Viceroy of India at the time, and Queen Victoria became Godmother to baby Victor – choosing two of his Christian names, Victor Alexander. Victoria gifted Victor a Victoria Oak tree as a christening gift, which still stands in the Gardens of Knebworth House to this day.
After the death Robert, 1st Earl of Lytton, in Paris in November 1891, his widow Edith, Dowager Countess of Lytton and her family had to adapt to living in reduced circumstances after the Earl’s financial advisor lost them large sums of money. The family seat Knebworth House had been let out, by Victor (now the 2nd Earl of Lytton), so the family eventually settled at The Danes, a smaller house in Hertfordshire. With two daughters unmarried and living at home, and two sons still completing their education, the family had to economise.
On the 3rd June 1895, Queen Victoria wrote personally to Edith, Dowager Countess of Lytton, inviting her to become one of her ladies-in-waiting. Writing “A vacancy has occurred amongst my ladies-in-waiting” Her Royal Highness went on to write “it would give me much pleasure if you would accept this offer.” The post would bring in a very welcome £300 a year.
Edith arrived at Balmoral on 3rd October 1895 for her first waiting, and kept a diary of her times at court, which survives in the Archive at Knebworth House. Edith spoke very fondly of her time as Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen and conceded the post a great honour. Edith remained close to Queen Victoria until her death in January 1901.On Friday February 1st 1901, the coffin containing the body of Queen Victoria began its journey from Osborne House to its final resting place in the royal Mausoleum at Frogmore. One of the two ladies-in-waiting accompanying the body was Edith, Dowager Countess of Lytton.
Edith then served as Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Alexandra until 1905, after which she retired and spent her remaining years living at Homewood, a house in Knebworth designed for her by her son-in-law, Sir Edwin Lutyens.
To learn more about the Lytton family and Edith’s time with Queen Victoria visit Knebworth House this Summer for a guided tour. For more information on our tours and group bookings please call 01438812661 or email info@knebworthhouse.com.