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From: "Paul and Pam Featherstone" <>
Subject: [FEATHERSTONE] Sir Harry FETHERSTONHAUGH was the lover of Lady Emma HAMILTON
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2000 13:26:08 +0100


Hi all,

I finally found a book on Lady Hamilton – “Nelson’s Women” by Tom Pocock
published by Andre Deutsch in 1999.

Apparently Emma was born Emily Lyon on 26 April 1765 in Denhall, Cheshire.
Her father was the village blacksmith, but Emma and her brother liked to
make out he was a disinherited heir of the local land owner, Cadogan.

So in rising through society Cadogan was the name Emma and her mother used.

She went into service as a nursemaid. Then she “performed unspecified duties
at a dubious clinic that promised cures for impotence.” She worked as an
artist’s model, notably for Romney and Hopper.

Not being considered marriageable by the rich young men, whose eyes she
caught, it was almost inevitable that she – accompanied by her mother –
should live under their protection as a mistress. From one of these, Sir
Harry FETHERSTONHAUGH of UPPARK, Sussex she was rescued – when found to be
pregnant – by Charles Greville. She and her baby went to live with them.
He then “exchanged” her with his Uncle, Sir William Hamilton” in exchange
for payment of his debts, and a future inheritance!

Sad story or what?

After Nelson’s death, she fell on hard times she sought help from her former
lover Sir Harry FETHERSTONHAUGH of Uppark, described as “now a sad and
spoiled middle aged bachelor”. The book does not say that any help was
forthcoming.

Paul R Featherstone

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