Maria Fitzherbert Collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: GTM-150617

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Scope and Contents

Collection of letters by and about Maria Fitzherbert (b.1756-1837). Includes miscellaneous documents including copies of wills (1830, 1832).

Dates

Creation: circa 1786-1837

Creator

Fitzherbert, Maria Anne, 1756-1837 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Biographical Note

Maria Fitzherbert (1756-1837) was the secret wife of the Prince of Wales who became King George IV of Britain. From an old Roman Catholic family in England, Maria studied at a convent in France. In 1775, she married Edward Weld who died after their marriage. In 1778, Maria married Thomas Fitzherbert, who also died soon after their marraige. She met the Prince of Wales, but the two could not marry because, by law in England, a prince marrying a Roman Catholic would forfeit succession to the throne. The two were married secretly on December 15, 1778; the marriage was considered invalid because it had not been approved by George's father. In 1794, the prince ended the relationship, and went on to marry Princess Caroline.

Maria Fitzherbert died in 1837 at Brighton, Sussex, England.

[Source: Encyclopedia Britannica Online].