Mary Nisbet
Encyclopedia
Mary Nisbet, Countess of Elgin (April 18, 1778, Dirleton
- July 9, 1855) was the first wife of British diplomat Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin
during his term as Ambassador Extraodinare to the Ottoman Empire
and one of the most influential and wealthiest heiresses of the late 18th and early 19th century.
) and first cousin to the current 4th Duke of Rutland, Mary Manners travelled in the very highest of social circles. William Nisbet was a member of the small group of people who controlled the vasts amounts of land in Scotland. At her birth Mary Nisbet was one of the richest heiresses in the world, and according to Scottish Law all of her parents' property would pass to her as brotherless women were allowed to inherit.
Mary was raised in the bucolic village of Dirleton
about eighteen miles east of Edinburgh
in the family home of Archerfield
. Here Mary was raised simply; she played with her dogs, rode horses, and went swimming. Her education was intense, she studied ancient history, geography, literature and astronomy. Starting in the early 1790s she kept a detailed diary with her social life and observations on the left, and meticulous financial records (showing entries such as pennies donated to dancing dogs and purchases of flowers) on the right.
, balls at Gloucester House
(including one that lasted until 3 in the morning), and even Frogmore House
, the favorite retreat of both Queen Victoria and Queen Charlotte. Raised in the limelight, she felt comfortable in the highest echelons of aristocracy and was at ease no matter how formal her surroundings. Her world was a constant whirlwind of parties, luncheons and balls. When in Scotland the flow of company was constant.
at a tea. The Nisbet and Elgin families had been friends for years, furthermore the two were distantly related through the ancient Montagu
line. Elgin's mother was the formidable Martha, Lady Elgin, the governess of Princess Charlotte, his ancestor was Robert the Bruce. Both families were understandably eager for the match, foreseeing the founding of a dynasty, a point that was not lost on Mary. She had always known that her marriage would have to be more than a love match, but Elgin was someone she had come to genuinely care for. While they were polar opposites in some respects, they also shared a great many interests including the occasional asthma attack. Elgin had only recently been appointed Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire
. He was in need of a wife who could not only feel at ease on the international stage, but who could afford to support his ambitions since the majority of the expenses for the ambassador and his household were out-of-pocket, not covered by the government. He proposed sometime in 1798 and Mary became the Countess of Elgin on March 11, 1799. They spent their wedding night at Archerfield
, then travelled to the Bruce ancestral home of Broomhall
. After a week they returned to Archerfield, then left for London where Elgin gave his sister, Lady Charlotte, away in marriage.
(which Mary hated), they traveled on to Gibraltar
where they were hosted by Charles O'Hara
, and saluted by guns. They left Gibraltar on September 25 for Sicily
by way of the Barbary Cost and arrived by the first of October. On the third they attended a party hosted by the infamous Horatio Nelson and his mistress Emma Hamilton and was introduced to Maria Carolina, Queen of Naples. Next came Palermo
, Messina, and Tenodoes. Here they visited the ruins of ancient Troas
. They entered the straits of Dardanelles
and were introduced to Captain Pasha, the Sultan's cousin and the most powerful military man in the country. Mary was the first women to board the Pasha's ship and join the men. The Pasha delighted in showing off the opulence of his yacht, and must have been equally impressed by Mary, for he grew concerned that she would be chilled and insisted that she take a brightly colored shawl. And after over two months of discomfort, the Elgins arrived safely in Constantinople
, where Mary was carried ashore in a gilded chair.
After her first marriage ended in divorce Mary later married Robert Ferguson of Raith
(1777–1846) who had been cited in the divorce. They had no children.
Dirleton
Dirleton is a village and parish in East Lothian, Scotland approximately east of Edinburgh on the A198. It contains . Dirleton lies between North Berwick , Gullane , Fenton Barns and the Yellowcraigs nature reserve, Archerfield Estate and the Firth of Forth...
- July 9, 1855) was the first wife of British diplomat Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin
Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin
Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin and 11th Earl of Kincardine was a Scottish nobleman and diplomat, known for the removal of marble sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens. Elgin was the second son of Charles Bruce, 5th Earl of Elgin and his wife Martha Whyte...
during his term as Ambassador Extraodinare to the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
and one of the most influential and wealthiest heiresses of the late 18th and early 19th century.
Early life
Mary Hamilton Nisbet was born April 18, 1778 to Scottish landowner William Nisbet of Dirleton and Mary Manners, the granddaughter of the 2nd Duke of Rutland. As the niece of the 3rd Duke of Rutland (who was one of the few individuals invited to witness the birth of the future George IV of the United KingdomGeorge IV of the United Kingdom
George IV was the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and also of Hanover from the death of his father, George III, on 29 January 1820 until his own death ten years later...
) and first cousin to the current 4th Duke of Rutland, Mary Manners travelled in the very highest of social circles. William Nisbet was a member of the small group of people who controlled the vasts amounts of land in Scotland. At her birth Mary Nisbet was one of the richest heiresses in the world, and according to Scottish Law all of her parents' property would pass to her as brotherless women were allowed to inherit.
Mary was raised in the bucolic village of Dirleton
Dirleton
Dirleton is a village and parish in East Lothian, Scotland approximately east of Edinburgh on the A198. It contains . Dirleton lies between North Berwick , Gullane , Fenton Barns and the Yellowcraigs nature reserve, Archerfield Estate and the Firth of Forth...
about eighteen miles east of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
in the family home of Archerfield
Archerfield Estate and Links
Archerfield and Archerfield Links are a country house and pair of golf courses in the parish of Dirleton, East Lothian, Scotland...
. Here Mary was raised simply; she played with her dogs, rode horses, and went swimming. Her education was intense, she studied ancient history, geography, literature and astronomy. Starting in the early 1790s she kept a detailed diary with her social life and observations on the left, and meticulous financial records (showing entries such as pennies donated to dancing dogs and purchases of flowers) on the right.
Socialite
Starting in her early teens she traveled with her parents to London when Mr. Nisbet was in Parliament and began living the life of a very social lady of great status, long before her formal debut. At the house of her grandmother, Lady Robert Manners, she was introduced to some of the highest members of society, most of whom, conveniently enough, were her own relatives. This list included the Dukes and Duchesses of Montrose and Montague, and the Pelham family. She was noted to be very mature for her age and often joined her parents at gatherings traditionally held for grown-ups. Mary attended the Pantheon Opera House in Haymarket, Sadler's Wells TheatreSadler's Wells Theatre
Sadler's Wells Theatre is a performing arts venue located in Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell in the London Borough of Islington. The present day theatre is the sixth on the site since 1683. It consists of two performance spaces: a 1,500 seat main auditorium and the Lilian Baylis Studio, with extensive...
, balls at Gloucester House
Gloucester House
Gloucester House is a former royal residence in the seaside resort of Weymouth on the south coast of England. It was the summer residence of Prince William Henry Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh , fourth son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and brother of King George III...
(including one that lasted until 3 in the morning), and even Frogmore House
Frogmore House
Frogmore House is a 17th-century country house standing at the centre of the Frogmore Estate, amongst beautiful gardens, about a half a mile south of Windsor Castle in the Home Park at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is a Grade I listed building.-Early tenants:The original house on...
, the favorite retreat of both Queen Victoria and Queen Charlotte. Raised in the limelight, she felt comfortable in the highest echelons of aristocracy and was at ease no matter how formal her surroundings. Her world was a constant whirlwind of parties, luncheons and balls. When in Scotland the flow of company was constant.
First marriage
On December 8, 1798, Mary was formally introduced to Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of ElginThomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin
Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin and 11th Earl of Kincardine was a Scottish nobleman and diplomat, known for the removal of marble sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens. Elgin was the second son of Charles Bruce, 5th Earl of Elgin and his wife Martha Whyte...
at a tea. The Nisbet and Elgin families had been friends for years, furthermore the two were distantly related through the ancient Montagu
Montagu
- People with the surname :* Alexander Montagu, 13th Duke of Manchester* Ashley Montagu* Charles Montagu , several persons* Edward Montagu , several persons* Edwin Samuel Montagu* Elizabeth Montagu* Ewen Montagu...
line. Elgin's mother was the formidable Martha, Lady Elgin, the governess of Princess Charlotte, his ancestor was Robert the Bruce. Both families were understandably eager for the match, foreseeing the founding of a dynasty, a point that was not lost on Mary. She had always known that her marriage would have to be more than a love match, but Elgin was someone she had come to genuinely care for. While they were polar opposites in some respects, they also shared a great many interests including the occasional asthma attack. Elgin had only recently been appointed Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
. He was in need of a wife who could not only feel at ease on the international stage, but who could afford to support his ambitions since the majority of the expenses for the ambassador and his household were out-of-pocket, not covered by the government. He proposed sometime in 1798 and Mary became the Countess of Elgin on March 11, 1799. They spent their wedding night at Archerfield
Archerfield Estate and Links
Archerfield and Archerfield Links are a country house and pair of golf courses in the parish of Dirleton, East Lothian, Scotland...
, then travelled to the Bruce ancestral home of Broomhall
Broomhall
Broomhall may refer to:* Broomhall, district in Sheffield, England* Broomhall Green, Crewe and Nantwich, Cheshire, EnglandPeople with the surname Broomhall:...
. After a week they returned to Archerfield, then left for London where Elgin gave his sister, Lady Charlotte, away in marriage.
Journey to Constantinople
After spending five months in London as the couple of the moment, Earl and Countess Elgin, along with their servants, set sail from Portsmouth on September 3, 1799 on the HMS Phaeton with only one minor complication: Mary was pregnant. It would have made sense for her to stay home until the birth of the child, but Mary was determined to follow her husband. The trip would take them over two months to complete, and on their way Mary and Elgin were treated as royalty. After docking in LisbonLisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
(which Mary hated), they traveled on to Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
where they were hosted by Charles O'Hara
Charles O'Hara
General Charles O'Hara was a British military officer who served in the Seven Years War, American War of Independence, and French Revolutionary War, and later served as Governor of Gibraltar...
, and saluted by guns. They left Gibraltar on September 25 for Sicily
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
by way of the Barbary Cost and arrived by the first of October. On the third they attended a party hosted by the infamous Horatio Nelson and his mistress Emma Hamilton and was introduced to Maria Carolina, Queen of Naples. Next came Palermo
Palermo
Palermo is a city in Southern Italy, the capital of both the autonomous region of Sicily and the Province of Palermo. The city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old...
, Messina, and Tenodoes. Here they visited the ruins of ancient Troas
Troas
The Troad, also known as Troas, is the historical name of the Biga peninsula in the northwestern part of Anatolia, Turkey. This region now is part of the Çanakkale province of Turkey...
. They entered the straits of Dardanelles
Dardanelles
The Dardanelles , formerly known as the Hellespont, is a narrow strait in northwestern Turkey connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It is one of the Turkish Straits, along with its counterpart the Bosphorus. It is located at approximately...
and were introduced to Captain Pasha, the Sultan's cousin and the most powerful military man in the country. Mary was the first women to board the Pasha's ship and join the men. The Pasha delighted in showing off the opulence of his yacht, and must have been equally impressed by Mary, for he grew concerned that she would be chilled and insisted that she take a brightly colored shawl. And after over two months of discomfort, the Elgins arrived safely in Constantinople
Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. Throughout most of the Middle Ages, Constantinople was Europe's largest and wealthiest city.-Names:...
, where Mary was carried ashore in a gilded chair.
The Ambassador's wife
Mary and Elgin couldn't have picked a more controversial time to arrive in Constantinople. Suspicious of Western ways, the Ottomans conducted business in Italian. English was rarely used, and most English people were not trusted. Previously, the British Ambassadors had been forced to rent an embassy as there wasn't one built specifically for them. However shortly before the Elgin's arrival the French diplomats, thanks to Napoleon, had been evicted from their palace and sent to Yedikule prison, leaving the building open for the newest English ambassador and his wife. Although Elgin immediately began pressing for their release, the French choose to blame him personally for their imprisonment. From the moment she arrived Mary decided to play by her own rules. She immediately focused on what needed to be done, ordering new wallpaper and furnishing for the embassy, prepared apartments for her coming baby, and took over the management of her enormous household. Eleven days after their arrival Mary had already held a number of balls, dinners, and dances. On Tuesday, November 26 Mary became the first women to ever attend a political Ottoman ceremony. Elgin had contacted the Grand Vizier asking permission for Mary to attend, and apparently amused by the couple's antics, he consented. Five months pregnant, dressed as a man and with her maid in tow, Mary was presented to the Ottomans as Lord Bruce and allowed to watch her husband make his speech to the Grand Vizier.Children and second marriage
Lord Elgin and Lady Mary had a son and three daughters:- George Charles Constantine (1800–1840), died unmarried and before his father, known by the courtesy title of Lord Bruce.
- Mary, married on 28 January 1828, Robert Dundas
- Matilda-Harrie, married on 14 October 1839, John Maxwell son of Sir John Maxwell, 7th BaronetSir John Maxwell, 7th BaronetSir John Maxwell, 7th Baronet, of Pollok was a Member of Parliament for Paisley from 10 December 1832 until resigning in 1834....
- Lucy, married on 14 March 1828, John Grant of Kilgraston.
After her first marriage ended in divorce Mary later married Robert Ferguson of Raith
Robert Ferguson of Raith
Robert Ferguson of Raith, was at various times a Whig Member of Parliament for Fifeshire, Haddingtonshire and Kirkcaldy Burghs, and at the time of his death he was Lord Lieutenant of the county of Fife.-Biography:...
(1777–1846) who had been cited in the divorce. They had no children.
Further reading
- Two Ladies of Dirleton
- Hary Hamilton Nisbet Ferguson at The Peerage