16-17th Cent. Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont, Queen Consort of France.

Louise was born on 30 April 1553, in Nomeny. She was the daughter of Marguerite d'Egmont (1517 - 10 March 1554) and Nicholas, Duke of Mercoeur (16 October 1524 - 23 January 1577). Her maternal grandfather was Jean III, Count of Egmont. Her paternal grandparents were Renée de Bourbon-Montpensier and Antoine, Duc de Lorraine (4 June 1489 - 14 June 1544). Louise's parents were married on 1 May 1549, in Brussels. Her siblings were: Marguerite born on 9 February 1550, Catherine born on 26 February 1551 and Henri, Count of Chaligny born on 9 April 1552. Her mother, Marguerite d'Egmont died on 10 March 1554. Her father, Nicholas married his second wife Joanna of Savoy-Nemours (1532-1568) on 24 February 1555, at Fontainebleau. She was the daughter of Charlotte of Orleans-Longueville and Philippe de Savoie, 1st Duc de Nemours (1490 - 25 November 1533). They had four sons and two daughters: Philippe Emmanuel, Duc de Mercoeur (1558-1602), Charles, Cardinal of Vaudémont, Bishop of Toul and Verdun (1561-1587), Jean (1563-), Marguerite (1564-1625), Claude (1566-) and François, Marquis of Chaussin (1567-1596). Nicholas married his third wife, Catherine Romula of Lorraine-Aumale (8 November 1550 - 25 June 1606) on 11 May 1569, at Reims. She was the daughter of Louise de Brézé, Lady of Anet (c.1518 - January 1577) and Claude de Guise, Duc d'Aumale (18 August 1526 - 3 March 1573). They had three sons and two daughters: Antoine, Abbot of Beaulieu and Bishop of Toul (1572-1587), Henri, Marquis of Mouy and Count of Chaligny (1570-1600), Christine (1571-), Louise (1575-) and Eric, Bishop of Verdun (1576-1623). Louise married Henri III, King of France (19 September 1551 - 2 August 1589) on 13 February 1575, at the Cathedral of Reims. He was the son of Catherine de' Medici, Queen Consort of France (13 April 1519 - 5 January 1589) and Henri II, King of France (31 March 1519 - 10 July 1559). With false papers, Jacques Clément was granted access and stabbed King Henri III on 1 August 1589. Jacques Clément was killed by the guards. Henri III died on 2 August 1589, in Saint-Cloud, France. Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont died aged 47, on 29 January 1601, in Moulins, Allier. She was buried at the Convent of the Capuchins. In 1817, her remains were reinterred next to her husband in the Saint-Denis Basilica.

19th Cent. Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies, Queen Consort of Spain.

 

Princess Maria Christina was born 27 April 1806, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. She was the daughter of Maria Isabella of Spain, Queen Consort of the Two Sicilies (6 July 1789 - 13 September 1848) and Francis I, King of the Two Sicilies (14 August 1777 - 8 November 1830). Her maternal grandparents were Maria Luisa of Parma, Queen Consort of Spain (9 December 1751 - 2 January 1819) and Carlos IV, King of Spain (11 November 1748 - 20 January 1819). Her paternal grandparents were Maria Carolina, Queen Consort of Naples and Sicily (13 August 1752 - 7 September 1814) and Ferdinand I, King of the Two Sicilies (12 January 1751 – 4 January 1825). Maria Christina's parents were married by proxy on 6 July 1802, in Barcelona. Her siblings were: Luisa Carlotta (1804-1844), Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies (1810-1859), Carlo Ferdinando, Prince of Capua (1811-1862), Leopoldo, Count di Siracusa (1813-1860), Maria Antonietta (1814-1898), Antonio, Count of Lecce (1816-1843), Maria Amalia (1818-1857), Maria Carolina (1820-1861), Teresa (1822-1889), Luigi, Count di Aquila (1824-1897) and Francesco, Count of Trapani (1827-1892). Maria Christina married Ferdinand VII, King of Spain (14 October 1784 - 29 September 1833) on 11 December 1829, in Madrid. He was the son of Maria Luisa of Parma, Queen Consort of Spain (9 December 1751 - 2 January 1819) and Carlos IV, King of Spain (11 November 1748 - 20 January 1819). Maria Christina was his fourth wife. Ferdinand VII married first Princess Maria Antonia of Naples and Sicily (14 December 1784 - 21 May 1806) on 4 October 1802. The Princess had two miscarriages in 1804 and 1805. Maria Antonia died of tuberculosis in 1806. Ferdinand VII married his second wife Infanta Maria Isabel of Portugal (19 May 1797 - 26 December 1818) in 1816. They had one daughter, Infanta Maria Luisa Isabel (21 August 1817 - 9 January 1818) Maria Isabel died during childbirth on 26 December 1818. Ferdinand VII married his third wife Maria Josepha of Saxony (7 December 1803 - 18 May 1829) on 20 October 1819. They had no children. Maria Josepha died on 27 May 1829.

The Children of Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies and Ferdinand VII:

Isabella II, Queen of the Spains (10 October 1830 - 10 April 1904)

Infanta Maria Luisa Fernanda of Spain (30 January 1832 - 2 February 1897)

Her husband, Ferdinand VII died on 29 September 1833. He was succeeded by their daughter, as Isabella II with Maria Christina as Regent. Her claim to the Throne was disputed by her uncle, Don Carlos Maria Isidro Benito, Count de Molina. Maria Christina secretly married her second husband, Augustin Fernández Muñoz (1808-1873) on 28 December 1833. Their first child, a daughter Maria Amparo was born on 17 November 1834.

The Children of Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies and Augustin Fernández Muñoz:

Maria Amparo, Countess of Vista Alegre (17 November 1834 - 19 August 1864)
Maria de los Milagros, Marchioness of Castillejo (8 November 1835 - 9 July 1903)
Agustin, Duke of Tarancon (1837 - 15 July 1855)
Fernando, Duke of Riansares and Tarancon (27 April 1838 - 7 December 1910)
Maria Christina, Marchioness of Isabella (19 April 1840 - 20 December 1921)
Juan, Count of Recuerdo (29 August 1844 - 2 April 1863)
Jose, Count of Garcia (21 December 1846 - 17 December 1863)

In 1840, General Baldomero Espartero, Count of Luchana replaced her as Regent. Maria Christina retired to exile in France. In 1843, on the overthrow of Baldomero Espartero, Count of Luchana the couple returned. In 1844, her daughter, Isabella II gave her consent to her mother's marriage. Muñoz was created Duke of Riansares and made a Knight of the Golden Fleece. By Louis-Philippe I of France, he was created Duke of Mont-Morot and awarded the Grand Cross of the Légion d'honneur. When a revolution forced Isabella II from her throne on 30 September 1868, she joined her mother in exile in France. Isabella II renounced the throne in favor of her son, Alfonso XII, on 25 June 1870. Her husband, Don Agustin Fernandez Muñoz, Duke of Riansares died on 11 September 1873, at L' Adresse, near Havre. When Alfonso XII regained the Spanish crown on 29 December 1874, Maria Christina and Isabella II were permitted to return to Spain as visitors. Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies died aged 72, on 22 July 1878, in Le Havre, France. She was interred at the Royal Crypt of the Royal Monastery of Saint Lawrence of Escorial.

18-19th Cent. Margaret Georgiana Poyntz, Countess Spencer.

Margaret Georgiana Poyntz was born on 27 April 1737. She was the daughter of Anna Maria Mordaunt and Stephen Poyntz. Her maternal grandfather was Lewis Mordaunt. Her siblings were: Louisa Poyntz, William Poyntz (April 1734 - 13 May 1809) and Charles Poyntz (1735 - 10 May 1809). In 1755, she was painted by the artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788). Margaret Georgiana Poyntz married John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer (19 December 1734 - 31 October 1783) on 20 December 1755, in Althorp, Brington, Northamptonshire. He was the son of Lady Georgiana Caroline Carteret (1716 - 21 August 1780) and John Spencer.

The Children of Margaret Georgiana Poyntz and John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer:

Lady Georgiana Spencer (7 June 1757 - 30 March 1806) Married William Cavendish in 1774.

George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1 September 1758 - 10 November 1834)

Lady Henrietta Frances Spencer (16 June 1761 - 11 November 1821) Married Fredrick Ponsonby in 1780.

Lady Charlotte Spencer (1765-1766)

Lady Louisa Spencer (1769-1769) 

Margaret Georgiana Poyntz became Countess Spencer on 1 November 1765. In 1772, the family toured Europe. They visited the Royal Court in France. Her daughter, Lady Georgiana married William Cavendish (14 December 1748 - 29 July 1811) on 7 June 1774. He was the son of Charlotte Elizabeth Boyle, Baroness Clifford (27 October 1731 - 8 December 1754) and Sir William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire. Her mother-in-law, Lady Georgiana Caroline Carteret died on 21 August 1780. Her daughter, Lady Harriet married Fredrick Ponsonby, Viscount Duncannon (24 January 1758 - 3 February 1844) on 27 November 1780. Her husband, John Spencer died on 31 October 1783. Margaret Georgiana Poyntz died aged 76, on 18 March 1814, at St. Albans, in Hertfordshire, England. She was buried on 30 March 1814, in Brington, Northamptonshire, England.

17-18th Cent. Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel, Queen Consort of Denmark and Norway.

 

Charlotte Amalie was born on 27 April 1650, in Kassel, Hesse, Germany. She was the daughter of Hedwig Sophie of Brandenburg (1623-1683) and Landgrave Wilhelm VI of Hesse-Kassel (23 May 1629 - 16 July 1663). Her maternal grandparents were Elizabeth Charlotte of the Palantine (19 November 1597 - 26 April 1660) and George William, Elector of Brandenburg (13 November 1595 - 1 December 1640). Her paternal grandparents were Amalie Elisabeth, Gräfin of Hanau-Münzenberg and William V. Her siblings were: William VII (1651-1670), Luise (11 September 1652 - 23 October 1652), Charles (3 August 1654 - 23 March 1730), Philipp, Landgrave of Hessen-Philippsthal (14 December 1655 - 18 June 1721), Georg (1658-1675) and Elisabeth Henriëtte (8 November 1661 - 27 June 1683). Charlotte Amalie married Prince Christian of Denmark (15 April 1646 - 25 August 1699) on 25 June 1667, at Nykøbing Castle, in Falster. He was the son of Sophie Amalie of Brunswick-Lüneburg (24 March 1628 - 20 February 1685) and Frederick III, King of Denmark and Norway (18 March 1609 - 9 February 1670). Her father-in-law, Frederick III died on 9 February 1670. He was interred at Roskilde Cathedral. He was succeeded by his son, as Christian V, with Charlotte Amalie as his Consort. Charlotte Amalie and Christian V had seven children.

The Children of Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel and Christian V:

Frederick IV, King of Denmark and Norway (11 October 1671 - 12 October 1730) Married Louise of Mecklenburg-Güstrow in 1695.

Christian Vilhelm (1672-1673)

Christian (25 March 1675 - 27 June 1695)

Princess Sophia Hedwig of Denmark (28 August 1677 - 13 March 1735)

Christiane Charlotte ( 18 Januar 1679 - 24 August 1689)

Carl (26 October 1680 - 8 June 1729)

Vilhelm (21 February 1687 - 23 November 1705)

In 1771, Christian V introduced into Court his mistress, Sophie Amalie Moth (1654 - 17 January 1719). She was the daughter of his former tutor Paul Moth. The King made his mistress, Countess of Samsø on 31 December 1677. Sophie Amalie Moth bore Christian V five children: Christiane Gyldenløve (1672), Christian Gyldenløve (1674), Sophie Christiane Gyldenløve (1675), Anna Christiane Gyldenløve (1676) and Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve (1678). Her son, Frederick married Louise of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (28 August 1667 - 15 March 1721) on 5 December 1695. She was the daughter of Magdalene Sibylle of Holstein-Gottorp (1631-1719) and Duke Gustav Adolf of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (1633-1695). Christian V died on 25 August 1699, in Copenhagen. He was buried in Roskilde Cathedral. After the death of her husband, Charlotte Amalie moved to Charlottenborg Palace, on Kongens Nytorv, in Copenhagen. Charlotte Amalie died of scarlet fever on 27 March 1714, in Copenhagen, Denmark. She was interred at Roskilde Cathedral, in Denmark.

19th Cent. Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duchess of Aumale.

 

Princess Maria Carolina Augusta was born on 26 April 1822, in Wien, Austria. She was the daughter of Archduchess Maria Clementina of Austria, Princess of Salerno (1 March 1798 - 3 September 1881) and Prince Leopold of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Prince of Salerno. Her maternal grandparents were Maria Teresa of the Two Sicilies (6 June 1772 - 13 April 1807) and Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor (12 February 1768 - 2 March 1835). Her paternal grandparents were Maria Carolina, Queen Consort of Naples and Sicily (13 August 1752 - 7 September 1814) and Ferdinand I, King of the Two Sicilies (12 January 1751 - 4 January 1825). Maria Carolina's parents were married on 28 July 1816, at Schönbrunn Palace, in Wien. Her siblings included, Prince Ludovico (1824-1824). Maria Carolina Augusta married Henri Eugène Philippe Louis d'Orléans, Duc d'Aumale (16 January 1822 - 7 May 1897) on 25 November 1844, in Naples. He was the son of Princess Maria Amalia of the Two Sicilies, Queen Consort of the French (26 April 1782 - 24 March 1866) and Louis-Philippe I, King of the French (6 October 1773 - 26 August 1850). Their first child, a son, Louis Philippe was born 15 November 1845.
 

The Children of Maria Carolina Augusta and Henri Eugène Philippe:

Louis Philippe Marie Léopold d'Orléans, Prince of Condé (15 November 1845 - 24 May 1866)
Henri Léopold Philippe Marie d'Orléans, Duke of Guise (11 September 1847 - 10 October 1847)
François Paul d'Orléans, Duke of Guise (11 January 1852 - 15 April 1852)

François Louis Philippe Marie d'Orléans, Duke of Guise (5 January 1854 - 25 July 1872)

In 1846, she was painted by the artist, Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873). Her son, Louis Philippe died on 24 May 1866. Maria Carolina Augusta died from tuberculosis aged 47, on 6 December 1869, in Twickenham, London, England. Her mother, Maria Clementina died on 3 September 1881, at the Château de Chantilly, in Chantilly, France. She was interred in Dreux, France. Her husband, Henri Eugène Philippe died on 7 May 1897.

18-19th Cent. Emma, Lady Hamilton.

 

Emma Lyon was born on 26 April 1765, in Neston, Cheshire, England. She was the daughter of Mary Kidd and Henry Lyon. Her maternal grandmother was Sarah Kidd. Emma's parents were married in June 1764. She was baptised as Emy Lyon on 12 May 1765. Her father, Henry Lyon was buried on 21 June 1765. Emma and her mother moved to Hawarden, in Flintshire to live with her grandmother, Sarah Kidd. In 1777, Emma started to work as under-nursemaid for Mr Honoratius Leigh Thomas of Hawarden. In 1778, she moved to London and became a nursemaid to Dr Richard Budd. In the summer of 1781, Emma lived with Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh at Uppark, in Sussex. In November 1781, she returned to Hawarden. Pregnant by Fetherstonhaugh. Emma gave birth to a girl named Emma Carew in March 1782. Known as Little Emma, the baby was entrusted to a nursemaid, Mrs Kidd. 

The Child of Emma and Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh:

Emma Carew (March 1782-)

In the spring 1782, Emma moved to Paddington Green, London, with her mother and her new lover, Charles Greville. She was introduced to the artist George Romney, who painted her several times. In the autumn 1782, Charles Greville introduced Emma to his uncle, Sir William Hamilton (13 December 1730 - 6 April 1803). He was the ambassador at the Court in Naples. Sir William said of Emma; "She is better than anything in nature. In her particular way she is finer than anything that is to be found in antique art." When Greville met Henrietta Willougby, he wrote to his uncle Sir William Hamilton and asked him to look after Emma. In 1786, Emma was sent to Naples. While there Emma performed dances. According to Goethe, "The performance is like nothing you have ever seen before. With a few scarves and shawls she expressed a variety of wonderful transformations. One pose after another without a break." According to the Memoirs of Madame Vigée Le Brun by Marie-Élisabeth-Louise Vigée-Le Brun (1755-1842), "...Sir William Hamilton, the British Ambassador at Naples, came to me and begged that my first portrait in this town should be that of the splendid woman he presented to me. This was Mme. Harte, who soon after became Lady Hamilton, and who was famous for her beauty. After the promise to my amiable neighbours, I could not begin the other portrait until Countess Skavronska's was well advanced. I then painted Mme. Harte as a bacchante reclining by the edge of the sea, holding a goblet in her hand. Her beautiful face had much animation, and was a complete contrast to the Countess's. She had a great quantity of fine chestnut hair, sufficient to cover her entirely, and thus, as a bacchante with flying hair, she was admirable to behold. The life of Lady Hamilton is a romance. Her maiden name was Emma Lyon. Her mother, it is said, was a poor servant, and there is some disagreement as to her birthplace. At the age of thirteen she entered the service of an honest townsman of Hawarden as a nurse, but, tired of the dull life she led, and believing that she could obtain a more agreeable situation in London, she betook herself thither. The Prince of Wales told me that he had seen her at that time in wooden shoes at the stall of a fruit vender, and that, although she was very meanly clad, her pretty face attracted attention. A shopkeeper took her into his service, but she soon left him to become housemaid under a lady of decent family - a very respectable person. In her house she acquired a taste for novels, and then for the play. She studied the gestures and vocal inflections of the actors, and rendered them with remarkable facility. These talents, neither of which pleased her mistress in the very least, were the cause of her dismissal. It was then that, having heard of a tavern where painters were in the habit of meeting, she conceived the idea of going there to look for employment. Her beauty was then at its height. She was rescued from this pitfall by a strange chance. Doctor Graham took her to exhibit her at his house, covered with a light veil, as the goddess Hygeia (the goddess of health). A number of curious people and amateurs went to see her, and the painters were especially delighted. Some time after this exhibition, a painter secured her as a model; he made her pose in a thousand graceful attitudes, which he reproduced on canvas. She now perfected herself in this new sort of talent which made her famous. Nothing, indeed, was more remarkable than the ease Lady Hamilton acquired in spontaneously giving her features an expression of sorrow or of joy, and of posing marvelously to represent different people. Her eyes a-kindle, her hair flying, she showed you a bewitching bacchante; then, all of a sudden, her face expressed grief, and you saw a magnificent repentant Magdalen. The day her husband presented her to me, she insisted on my seeing her in a pose. I was delighted, but she was dressed in every-day clothes, which gave me a shock. I had gowns made for her such as I wore in order to paint in comfort, and which consisted of a kind of loose tunic. She also took some shawls to drape herself with, which she understood very well, and then was ready to render enough different positions and expressions to fill a whole picture gallery. There is, in fact, a collection drawn by Frederic Reimberg, which has been engraved."

"...the romance of Emma Lyon. It was while she was with the painter I have mentioned that Lord Greville fell so desperately in love with her that he intended to marry her, when he suddenly lost his official place and was ruined. He at once left for Naples in the hope of obtaining help from his Uncle Hamilton, and took Emma with him so that she might plead his cause. The uncle, indeed, consented to pay all his nephew's debts, but also decided to marry Emma Lyon in spite of his family's remonstrances. Lady Hamilton became as great a lady as can be imagined. It is asserted that the Queen of Naples was on an intimate footing with her. Certain it is that the Queen saw her often - politically, might perhaps be said. Lady Hamilton, being a most indiscreet woman, betrayed a number of little diplomatic secrets to the Queen, of which she made use to the advantage of her country."

"Lady Hamilton was not at all clever, though she was extremely supercilious and disdainful, so much so that these two defects were conspicuous in all her conversation. But she also possessed considerable craftiness, of which she made use in order to bring about her marriage. She wanted in style, and dressed very badly when it was a question of every-day dress. I remember that when I did my first picture of her, as a sibyl, she was living at Caserta, whither I went every day, desiring to progress quickly with the picture. The Duchess de Fleury and the Princess de Joseph Monaco were present at the third sitting, which was the last. I had wound a scarf round her head in the shape of a turban, one end hanging down in graceful folds. This head-dress so beautified her that the ladies declared she looked ravishing. Her husband having invited us all to dinner, she went to her apartment to change, and when she came back to meet us in the drawing-room, her new costume, which was a very ordinary one indeed, had so altered her to her disadvantage that the two ladies had all the difficulty in the world in recognising her." Emma and William were married on 6 September 1791, at St. Georges, Hanover Square, in London. After they returned to Naples, Emma met Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté (29 September 1758 - 21 October 1805). After the Battle of the Nile, Emma hosted a party for him. In 1798, she arranged a Ball in his honour. Emma and Nelson soon became lovers. They had a daughter, Horatia born on 29 January 1801. Sir William died on 6 April 1802(1803). According to Madame Vigée-Le Brun, "When I went to London in 1802 Lady Hamilton had just lost her husband. I left a card for her, and she soon came to see me, wearing deep mourning, with a dense black veil surrounding her, and she had had her splendid hair cut off to follow the new "Titus" fashion. I found this Andromache enormous, for she had become terribly fat. She said that she was very much to be pitied, that in her husband she had lost a friend and a father, and that she would never be consoled. I confess that her grief made little impression upon me, since it seemed to me that she was playing a part. I was evidently not mistaken, because a few minutes later, having noticed some music lying on my piano, she took up a lively tune and began to sing it. As is well known, Lord Nelson had been in love with her at Naples; she had maintained a very tender correspondence with him. When I went to return her visit one morning, I found her radiant with joy, and besides she had put a rose in her hair, like Nina. I could not help asking her what the rose signified. "It is because I have just received a letter from Lord Nelson," she answered. The Duke de Bern and the Duke de Bourbon, having heard of her poses, very much desired to witness a spectacle which she had never been willing to offer in London. I requested her to give me an evening for the two Princes, and she consented. I also invited some other French people, who I was aware would be anxious to see this sight. On the day appointed I placed in the middle of my drawing-room a very large frame, with a screen on either side of it. I had had a strong limelight prepared and disposed so that it could not be seen, but which would light up Lady Hamilton as though she were a picture. All the invited guests having arrived, Lady Hamilton assumed various attitudes in this frame in a truly admirable way. She had brought a little girl with her, who might have been seven or eight years old, and who resembled her strikingly. One group they made together reminded me of Poussin's "Rape of the Sabines." She changed from grief to joy and from joy to terror so rapidly and effectively that we were all enchanted. As I kept her for supper, the Duke de Bourbon, who sat next to me at table, called my attention to the quantity of porter she drank. I am sure she must have been used to it, for she was not tipsy after two or three bottles." In December 1803, Emma gave birth to a girl named Emma.

The Children of Lady Emma Hamilton and Horatio Nelson:

Horatia Nelson (29 January 1801 - 6 March 1881)

Emma Nelson (December 1803 - 1804)

Her daughter, Emma Nelson died in 1804. Lord Nelson had never seen her. Emma and Lord Nelson took communion together on 12 September 1805. "To Lady Hamilton Victory, October 19th, 1805 Noon, Cadiz, E.S.E., 16 Leagues. My dearest beloved Emma, the dear friend of my bosom. The signal has been made that the Enemy's Combined Fleet are coming out of Port. We have very little wind, so that I have no hopes of seeing them before to-morrow. May the God of Battles crown my endeavours with success; at all events, I will take care that my name shall ever be most dear to you and Horatia, both of whom I love as much as my own life. And as my last writing before the Battle will be to you, so I hope in God that I shall live to finish my letter after the Battle. May Heaven bless you prays your Nelson and Bronte." According to a codicil Lord Nelson wrote in his will on 21 October 1805, "I leave Emma, Lady Hamilton therefore a legacy to my King and Country that they will give her an ample provision to maintain her Rank in Life." Later that day, Nelson was killed by a musket shot at the Battle of Trafalgar. Mr Whitby of the Admiralty told Emma of Nelson's death on 6 November 1805. According to Nelson's will, Emma was left Merton Place and its contents, £2000 and £500 a year for life from his Italian estate. Emma was not allowed to attend Nelson's funeral. Nelson wrote his last letter to Emma on 19 October 1805, it was unfinished and delivered to her after his death, "My dearest beloved Emma, …I will take care that my name shall ever be most dear to you and Horatia, both of whom I love as much as my own life…" Her mother, Mary Kidd died on 14 January 1810. Lady Emma Hamilton died of liver failure on 15 January 1815, in Calais, France. She was buried in the Churchyard of St. Pierre's, in Calais. Madame Vigée Le Brun wrote, "Long after leaving London, in 1815, I heard that Lady Hamilton had ended her days at Calais, dying there neglected and forsaken in the most awful poverty."

Excerpts and Source: The Memoirs of Madame Vigée Le Brun by Marie-Élisabeth-Louise Vigée-Le Brun.

18-19th Cent. Maria Amalia of the Two Sicilies, Queen Consort of the French.

Maria Amalia of the Two Sicilies with her Sons

by Louis Hersent
Château de Versailles

Maria Amalia Teresa of the Two Sicilies was born on 26 April 1782, at Caserta. She was the daughter of Maria Carolina of Austria, Queen Consort of Naples and Sicily (13 August 1752 - 7 September 1814) and Ferdinand IV, King of Naples and Sicily (12 January 1751 - 4 January 1825). Her maternal grandparents were Maria Theresia, Holy Roman Empress (13 May 1717 - 29 November 1780) and Franz I, Holy Roman Emperor (8 December 1708 - 18 August 1765). Her paternal grandparents were Princess Maria Amalia Christina of Saxony (24 November 1724 - 27 September 1760) and Charles VII, King of Naples (20 January 1716 - 14 December 1788). Maria Amalia's parents were married in 1768. Her siblings were: Maria Teresa (6 June 1772 - 13 April 1807), Maria Luisa (27 July 1773 - 19 September 1802), Carlo, Duke of Calabria (6 January 1775 - 17 December 1778), Maria Anna (23 November 1775 - 22 February 1780), Francesco I (19 August 1777 - 8 November 1830), Maria Cristina (17 January 1779 - 11 March 1849) Maria Cristina Amelia (17 January 1779 - 26 February 1783), Carlo (12 April 1780 - 2 January 1789), Giuseppe (18 January 1781 - 19 December 1783), Maria Amelia (26 April 1782 - 24 March 1866), Maria Cristina (19 July 1783 - 19 July 1783), Maria Antonietta (14 December 1784 - 21 May 1806), Maria Clothilde (18 February 1786 - 12 September 1792), Maria Enrichetta (31 July 1787 - 20 September 1792), Carlo (26 August 1788 - 1 February 1789), Leopold, Prince of Salerno (2 July 1790 - 10 March 1851), Alberto (2 May 1792 - 24 December 1798) and Maria Isabella (2 December 1793 - 23 April 1801). Her mother was the sister of, Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor and Marie Antoinette, Queen Consort of France and Navarre (1755-1793). In 1798, the Royal family fled to Palermo. From 1800 to 1802, she lived with her mother at the Austrian Court. Maria Amalia met Louis-Philippe, Duc d'Orléans (6 October 1773 - 26 August 1850) in Palermo. He was the eldest son of Louise Marie Adélaïde de Bourbon, Duchess d'Orléans (13 March 1753 - 23 June 1821) and Louis Philippe Joseph d'Orléans, Duc d'Orléans (13 April 1747 - 6 November 1793). Maria Amalia and Louis-Philippe were married on 25 November 1809, in Palermo, Sicily.

The Children of Maria Amalia of the Two Sicilies and Louis Philppe I:

Prince Ferdinand Philippe d'Orléans, Duc d'Orléans (3 September 1810 - 1842) Married Duchess Helene Louise Elizabeth of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

Princesse Louise Marie d'Orléans (3 April 1812 - 11 October 1850) Married Léopold I of Belgium.
Princess Marie d'Orléans (12 April 1813 - 1839) Married Duke Alexander of Württemberg.
Prince Louis d'Orléans, Duc de Nemours (25 October 1814 - 1896) Married Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Kohary.
Princess Françoise d'Orléans (28 March 1816 - 1818)
Princesse Marie Clémentine d'Orléans (6 March 1817 - 16 February 1907) Married August of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, 5th Prince of Kohary.
Prince François d'Orléans, Prince de Joinville (14 August 1818 - 1900) Married Princess Francisca of Brazil.
Prince Charles d'Orléans, Duc de Penthièvre (1 January 1820 - 1828)
Prince Henri d'Orléans, Duc d'Aumale (16 June 1822 - 1897) Married Princess Maria Carolina Augusta of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

Prince Antoine d'Orléans (31 July 1824 - 1890) Married Infanta Luisa Fernanda of Spain.

In 1814, the family returned to France. In 1815, during the Hundred Days, Maria Amalia took refuge with her children at the Orleans House, in Twickenham, England. In 1817, they were back in France. In 1830, following the July Revolution, Louis-Philippe became King of the French, with Maria Amelia as his Queen Consort. Her daughter, Louise Marie d'Orléans married Leopold I, King of the Belgians on 9 August 1832, at the Château de Compiègne, in Compiègne, France. Her daughter, Princess Clémentine married Prince August on 20 April 1843, at the Château de Saint-Cloud, in Saint-Cloud. He was the son of Maria Antonia Koháry de Csábrág (2 July 1797 - 25 September 1862) and Prince Ferdinand Georg of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (28 March 1785 - 27 August 1851). In the February 1848 Revolution, King Louis-Philippe I abdicated in favor of his grandson, Philippe on 24 February 1848. Louis-Philippe escaped to England. The Second Republic was proclaimed on 26 February 1848. Prince Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was elected President in December 1848. From 1848, Maria Amalia lived at Claremont. Her husband, Louis Philippe died on 26 August 1850, in Claremont, Surrey. He was interred in the Chapelle Royale de Dreux, in Dreux. Maria Amalia of the Two Sicilies died aged 83, on 24 March 1866, in Claremont, Surrey. She was interred with her husband at the Chapelle Royale de Dreux, in Dreux.

16-17th Cent. Marie de' Medici, Queen Consort of France and Navarre.

The Education of Marie de' Medici

by Peter-Paul Rubens

 1622-1625

Marie de' Medici was born on 26 April 1573, in Florence, Italy. She was the daughter of Johanna, Archduchess of Austria (24 January 1547 - 11 April 1578) and Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany (25 March 1541 - 17 October 1587). Her maternal grandparents were Anne of Bohemia and Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor. Her paternal grandparents were Eleanor of Toledo (1522 - 17 December 1562) and Cosimo I de' Medici, Duke of Florence and Grand Duke of Tuscany (12 June 1519 - 21 April 1574). Marie's parents were married on 25 December 1565, in Florence. Her siblings were: Eleonora de' Medici (28 February 1567 - 9 September 1611), Romola de' Medici (20 November 1568 - 2 December 1568), Anna de' Medici (31 December 1569 - 19 February 1584), Isabella de' Medici (30 September 1571 - 8 August 1572), Lucrezia de' Medici (7 November 1572 - 14 August 1574) and Filippo de' Medici (20 May 1577 - 29 March 1582). Marie de' Madici married Henry de Bourbon (13 December 1553 - 14 May 1610) on 17 December 1600. He was the son of Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre (7 January 1528 - 9 June 1572) and Antoine de Bourbon, King of Navarre (22 April 1518 - 17 November 1562). Marie was his second wife, following the annulment of his marriage to Marguerite de Valois (14 May 1553 - 27 May 1615) in 1599. Their first child, a son Louis was born on 27 September 1601, at Château de Fontainebleau, in Fontainebleau.

The Children of Marie de' Medici and Henri IV:

Louis XIII, King of France (27 September 1601 - 14 May 1643) Married Anne of Austria in 1615.

Elisabeth, Queen Consort of Spain (22 November 1602 - 6 October 1644) Married Felipe IV, King of Spain in 1615.

Christine Marie, Duchess of Savoy (12 February 1606 - 27 December 1663) Married Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy in 1619.

Nicholas Henri de France, Duc d'Orléans (16 April 1607 - 17 November 1611)

Gaston, Duke of Orleans (25 April 1608 - 2 February 1660) Married 1st: Marie de Bourbon, Duchess of Montpensier in 1626. Married 2nd: Margaret of Lorraine in 1632.

Henrietta Maria, Queen Consort of England (25 November 1609 - 10 September 1669) Married Charles I, King of England, Scotland and Ireland in 1625. 

The marriage was not a happy one, as Henri IV kept his mistresses. His favourite was Catherine Henriette de Balzac d'Entragues, Marquise de Verneuil (1579-1633). Henri IV was assassinated on 14 May 1610, in Paris by François Ravaillac. He was interred at the Saint-Denis Basilica. He was succeeded by their son, as Louis XIII with Marie as his Regent. She immediately banished Catherine Henriette de Balzac d'Entragues. In 1612, Marie de' Medici purchased the Palais du Luxembourg, in Paris. Her son, Louis was married by proxy to Ana Maria Mauricia (22 September 1601 - 20 January 1666) on 8 October 1615, in Bordeaux. She was the daughter of Margaret of Austria (25 December 1584 - 3 October 1611) and Felipe III, King of Spain (14 April 1578 - 31 March 1621). On the same day, her daughter, Elisabeth was married by proxy to Ana's brother, Philip Prince of Asturias (8 April 1605 - 17 September 1665). The two Princesses were exchanged on 25 November 1615, at the Isle of Pheasants. Louis XIII assumed the throne in 1617, and exiled Marie to Blois. Her daughter, Christine Marie married Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy on 10 February 1619, in Paris. In 1622, Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) was commissioned by Marie de' Medici to paint paintings for two galleries in Palais du Luxembourg. Her daughter, Princess Henrietta Maria married Charles I, King of England, Scotland and Ireland (19 November 1600 - 30 January 1649) on 13 June 1625, in Canterbury. Marie de' Medici died on 3 July 1642, in Cologne. She was interred in Cologne Cathedral, in Cologne.

19th Cent. Princess Alice of the United Kingdom, Grand Duchess Consort of Hesse and by Rhine.

Princess Alice Maud of the United Kingdom was born on 25 April 1843, at Buckingham Palace, in London, England. She was the third child and second daughter of Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India (24 May 1819 - 22 January 1901) and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (26 August 1819 - 14 December 1861). Her maternal grandparents were Victoria Maria Louisa of Saxe-Coburg, Duchess of Kent and Strathearn (17 August 1786 - 16 March 1861) and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (2 November 1767 - 23 January 1820). Her paternal grandparents were Princess Louise of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (21 December 1800 - 30 August 1831) and Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (2 January 1784 - 29 January 1844). Her siblings were: Victoria of the United Kingdom (1840-1901), Edward of the United Kingdom (1841-1910), Alfred of the United Kingdom (1844-1900), Helena of the United Kingdom (1846-1923), Louise of the United Kingdom (1848-1939), Arthur of the United Kingdom (1850-1942), Leopold of the United Kingdom (1853-1884) and Beatrice of the United Kingdom (1856-1944). Princess Alice was baptised on 3 June 1843, in the Private Chapel, at Buckingham Palace, London. Her father, Prince Albert died on 14 December 1861. Princess Alice of the United Kingdom married Prince Ludwig of Hesse Darmstadt (12 September 1837 - 13 March 1892) on 1 July 1862, at Osborne House. He was the son of Princess Elisabeth of Prussia (18 June 1815 - 21 March 1885) and Prince Karl of Hesse and by Rhine (23 April 1809 - 20 March 1877). Their first child, a daughter, Victoria was born on 5 April 1863, at Windsor Castle.

The Children of Alice of the United Kingdom and Ludwig IV:

Princess Victoria of Hesse (5 April 1863 - 24 September 1950) Married Prince Louis of Battenberg in 1884.

Princess Elisabeth of Hesse (1 November 1864 - 18 July 1918) Married Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia in 1884.

Princess Irene of Hesse (11 July 1866 - 11 November 1953) Married Prince Heinrich of Prussia.

Prince Ernest Louis of Hesse (25 November 1868 - 9 October 1937) Married 1st: Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Married 2nd: Princess Eleonore of Solms-Hohensolms-Lich.

Prince Friedrich of Hesse (7 October 1870 - 29 May 1873)

Princess Alix of Hesse (6 June 1872 - 17 July 1918) Married Tsar Nicholas II of Russia in 1894.

Princess Marie of Hesse (24 May 1874 - 16 November 1878)

She founded The Princess Alice for Women's Training and Industry, Princess Alice Women's Guild, and Alice's Hospital. Her son, Friedrich, who was a hemophiliac died on 28 May 1873, after a fall from an window. Her father-in-law, Karl died on 20 March 1877. Her husband, Ludwig became heir to the throne of Hesse. Ludwig III, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine (1806-1877) died in June 1877. He was succeeded by her husband, as Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine. In the autumn of 1878, her eldest daughter Victoria contracted diphtheria. Her daughter, Marie of Hesse died on 16 November 1878. Princess Alice of the United Kingdom died aged 35, on 14 December 1878. She was interred in Rosenhöhe, Darmstadt.

18-19th Cent. Princess Mary of the United Kingdom, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh.

 

Princess Mary was born on 25 April 1776, at Buckingham Palace, in London, England. She was the daughter of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom (19 May 1744 - 17 November 1818) and George III, King of the United Kingdom and Hanover (4 June 1738 - 29 January 1820). Her maternal grandparents were Princess Elizabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen (4 August 1713 - 29 June 1761) and Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg, Prince of Mirow (23 February 1708 - 5 June 1752). Her paternal grandparents were Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, Princess of Wales (30 November 1719 - 8 February 1772) and Frederick, Prince of Wales (1 February 1707 - 31 March 1751). Mary’s parents were were married on 8 September 1761, at the Chapel Royal in St. James's Palace, London. Her siblings were: George IV (12 August 1762 - 26 June 1830), Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (16 August 1763 - 5 January 1827), William IV (21 August 1765 - 20 June 1837), Charlotte, Princess Royal (29 September 1766 - 6 October 1828), Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (2 November 1767 - 23 January 1820), Princess Augusta Sophia (8 November 1768 - 22 September 1840), Princess Elizabeth (22 May 1770 - 10 January 1840), Ernest Augustus I of Hanover (5 June 1771 - 18 November 1851), Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (27 January 1773 21 April 1843), Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge (24 February 1774 - 8 July 1850), Princess Sophia (2 November 1777 - 27 May 1848), Prince Octavius (23 February 1779 - 3 May 1783), Prince Alfred (22 September 1780 - 20 August 1782) and Princess Amelia (7 August 1783 - 2 November 1810). Princess Mary was baptised on 19 May 1776, at St. James's Palace, in London. In 1782, she was painted by Thomas Gainsborough (1727 -1788). Her brother, George Augustus married Princess Caroline of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1768-1821) on 8 April 1795, at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace, in London. Princess Mary married Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (15 January 1776 - 30 November 1834) on 22 July 1816, in the Chapel Royal, at St James's Palace. He was the son of Maria Walpole, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh (10 July 1736 - 22 August 1807) and William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (25 November 1743 - 25 August 1805). The couple settled at Bagshot Park. They had no children. Her mother, Charlotte died on 17 November 1818, at the Dutch House, in Surrey. She was interred at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. Her father, George died on 29 January 1820, at Windsor. He was interred at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was succeeded by his son, as George IV. Her husband, William died on 30 November 1834. He was interred at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. After his death she moved to White Lodge, in Richmond Park. Princess Mary died aged 81, on 30 April 1857, at Gloucester House, in London. She was interred on 8 May 1857, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor.

18-19th Cent. Archduchess Maria Clementina of Austria, Duchess of Calabria.

 

Marie Klementine Josephe Johanna Fidelis was born on 24 April 1777, at Villa del Poggio Imperiale, in Poggio Imperiale. She was the daughter of Maria Louisa of Spain (24 November 1745 - 15 May 1792) and Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor (5 May 1747 - 1 March 1792). Her maternal grandparents were Princess Maria Amalia Christina of Saxony, Queen Consort of Spain (24 November 1724 - 27 September 1760) and Carlos III, King of Spain, Naples and Sicily (20 January 1716 - 14 December 1788). Her paternal grandparents were Maria Theresia, Holy Roman Empress (13 May 1717 - 29 November 1780) and Franz I, Holy Roman Emperor (8 December 1708 - 18 August 1765). Her parents were married on 5 August 1765, at Innsbruck. Her siblings were: Maria Theresia (1767-1827), Franz II, Holy Roman Emperor (1768-1835), Ferdinand, Grand Duke of Tuscany (1769-1824), Maria Anna (1770-1809), Charles (1771-1847), Alexander (1772-1795), Albert (1773-1774), Maximilian (1774-1778), Joseph (1776-1847), Anton Victor (1779-1835), Maria Amalia (1780-1798), John (1782-1859), Rainer (1783-1853), Louis (1784-1864) and Rudolf (1788-1831). Maria Clementina married Prince Francis, Duke of Calabria (14 August 1777 - 8 November 1830) on 26 June 1797, in Foggia. He was the son of Maria Carolina of Austria (13 August 1752 - 7 September 1814) and Ferdinand IV, King of Naples and Sicily (12 January 1751 - 4 January 1825). Maria Clementina and Francis had two children.

The Children of Maria Clementina of Austria and Francis I:

Maria Carolina Ferdinanda Louisa (5 November 1798 - 17 April 1870) Married 1st: Charles Ferdinand, Duke of Berry. Married 2nd: Count Ettore Lucchesi-Palli.
Ferdinando (27 August 1800 - 1 July 1801)

Maria Clementina died aged 24, on 11 March 1801, in Naples. Francis married his second wife, Maria Isabel of Spain (6 July 1789 - 13 September 1848) on 6 July 1802. She was the daughter of Maria Luisa of Parma, Queen Consort of Spain (9 December 1751 - 2 January 1819) and Carlos IV, King of Spain (11 November 1748 - 20 January 1819). Francis and Maria Isabel had twelve children. Francis I, King of Two Sicilies died on 8 November 1830, in Naples.

16-17th Cent. William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born on 23 April 1564, in Stratford upon Avon, England. He was the son of Mary Arden (1540-1608) and John Shakespeare (1531-1601). His maternal grandfather was Robert Arden. His paternal grandfather was Richard Shakepeare. William's parents were married in 1557. His siblings included: Joan (1558-1558), Margaret (1562-1563), Gilbert (1566-), Joan (1569-), Anne (1571-1579), Richard (1574-) and Edmund (1580-). His father was a merchant, bailiff and justice of the peace. William was baptized on 26 April 1564. In 1571, he attended Stratford Grammar School. According to legend, when Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland (1533-1603) in 1575, visited Kenilworth Castle, close to Stratford, William saw the Queen. Shakespeare later wrote, "Better three hours too soon than a minute too late," and "Boldness be my friend." William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on 27 November 1582, at Temple Grafton, close to Stratford. The couples first child, a daughter, was baptised Susanna, on 26 May 1583. They baptised their twins, Judith and Hamnet on 2 February 1585. 

"A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool."

In 1590, Shakespeare wrote The Comedy of Errors, Henry VI, part 1 and Titus Andronicus. In 1592, Shakespeare started to work in the emerging theatres. Henry VI Part 1 was produced on 3 March 1592, by Strange's Men, at the Rose Theatre. Robert Greene, the author of Groatsworth of Wit died on 3 September 1592. In December 1592, Robert Greene's editor Henry Chettle made a public apology to Marlowe and Shakespeare for the Groatsworth of Wit. In 1592, Shakespeare wrote Two Gentlemen of Verona. Christopher Marlowe died on 30 May 1593. In 1953, Shakespeare wrote, Love's Labour's Lost, The Taming of the Shrew and the poem, Venus and Adonis. Between June 1952 and April 1954, the London theaters were often closed due to The Black Death. In 1594, Shakespeare joined the Lord Chamberlain's company of actors. In 1594, The poem, Rape of Lucrece was published. Shakespeare dedicated his first two poems, Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece to his patron, Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton. To him, he wrote, "To the Right Honourable Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Souhampton, and Baron of Tichfield. I know not how I shall offend in dedicating my unpolished lines to your lordship, nor how the world will censure me for choosing so strong a prop to support so weak a burthen: only, if your honour seem but pleased, I account myself highly praised, and vow to take advantage of all idle hours, till I have honoured you with some graver labour. But if the first heir of my invention prove deformed, I shall be sorry it had so noble a godfather, and never after ear so barren a land, for fear it yield me still so bad a harvest. I leave it to your honourable survey, and your honour to your heart's content; which I wish may always answer your own wish and the world's hopeful expectation. Your honour's in all duty, William Shakespeare."

Venus and Adonis

by William Shakespeare

Even as the sun with purple-colour'd face
Had ta'en his last leave of the weeping morn,
Rose-cheek'd Adonis hied him to the chase;
Hunting he loved, but love he laugh'd to scorn;
Sick-thoughted Venus makes amain unto him,
And like a bold-faced suitor 'gins to woo him.

Thrice-fairer than myself,' thus she began,
The field's chief flower, sweet above compare,
Stain to all nymphs, more lovely than a man,
More white and red than doves or roses are;
Nature that made thee, with herself at strife,
Saith that the world hath ending with thy life.

Vouchsafe, thou wonder, to alight thy steed,
And rein his proud head to the saddle-bow;
If thou wilt deign this favour, for thy meed
A thousand honey secrets shalt thou know:
Here come and sit, where never serpent hisses,
And being set, I'll smother thee with kisses;

And yet not cloy thy lips with loathed satiety,
But rather famish them amid their plenty,
Making them red and pale with fresh variety,
Ten kisses short as one, one long as twenty:
A summer's day will seem an hour but short,
Being wasted in such time-beguiling sport.'

With this she seizeth on his sweating palm,
The precedent of pith and livelihood,
And trembling in her passion, calls it balm,
Earth's sovereign salve to do a goddess good:
Being so enraged, desire doth lend her force
Courageously to pluck him from his horse.

In 1595, the open air amphitheatre The Swan, Paris Garden, in Surrey was opened. In 1595, Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream and Richard II. According to King Richard III by William Shakespeare, "A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!" In 1596, the company of actors moved to the Swan Theatre, on Bankside when public presentation of plays within the city limits of London was banned.

 "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet."
Romeo and Juliet

by William Shakespeare

Juliet; "Wilt thou be gone? it is not yet near day: It was the nightingale, and not the lark, That pierced the fearful hollow of thine ear; Nightly she sings on yon pomegranate-tree: Believe me, love, it was the nightingale."
Romeo; "It was the lark, the herald of the morn, No nightingale: look Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops. I must be gone and live, or stay and die."
Juliet; "Yon light is not day-light, I know it, I: It is some meteor that the sun exhales, To be to thee this night a torch-bearer, And light thee on thy way to Mantua: Therefore stay yet; thou need'st not to be gone. "
Romeo; "Let me be ta'en, let me be put to death; I am content, so thou wilt have it so. I'll say yon grey is not the morning's eye, 'Tis but the pale reflex of Cynthia's brow; Nor that is not the lark, whose notes do beat The vaulty heaven so high above our heads: I have more care to stay than will to go: Come, death, and welcome! Juliet wills it so. How is't, my soul? let's talk; it is not day."
Juliet: "It is, it is: hie hence, be gone, away! It is the lark that sings so out of tune, Straining harsh discords and unpleasing sharps. Some say the lark makes sweet division; This doth not so, for she divideth us: Some say the lark and loathed toad change eyes, O, now I would they had changed voices too! Since arm from arm that voice doth us affray, Hunting thee hence with hunt's-up to the day,
O, now be gone; more light and light it grows."
Romeo; "More light and light; more dark and dark our woes!"

His son, Hamnet died aged 11, on 11 August 1596. His father, John Shakespeare was Granted a Coat of Arms on 20 October 1596. In 1596, Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and King John. According to Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, "For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo." In 1597, he wrote The Merry Wives of Windsor, Henry IV, part 1 and Henry IV, part 2. In 1598, Shakespeare joined a group of Chamberlain's Men that formed a syndicate to build and operate a new playhouse. In 1598, Shakespeare wrote Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing. According to Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, "A man loves the meat in his youth that he cannot endure in his age." In 1599, the Globe Theatre was built on the Bankside. Shakespeare purchased New Place, in Stratford. In 1599, he wrote As You Like It, Twelfth Night and Julius Caesar. According to As You like It by William Shakespeare, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." In 1600, the first production of Julius Caesar, at the Globe Theatre. Also in 1600, The Fortune Theatre, Golding Lane was opened. In 1600, Shakespeare wrote Troilus and Cressida and Hamlet. According to Hamlet by William Shakespeare, "Confess yourself to heaven; Repent what's past; avoid what is to come; And do not spread the compost on the weeds To make them ranker." In 1601, his acting troupe, the Chamberlain's Men, commissioned to stage Richard II at the Globe Theatre. His father, John Shakespeare died in 1601. He was buried on 8 September 1601. In November 1602, Shakespeare purchased a cottage across from New Place, in Stratford. In 1602, he wrote All's Well that Ends Well. In 1603, a Midsummer's Night's Dream was performed before Queen Elizabeth I, at Hampton Court. Elizabeth I died on 24 March 1603. She was succedeed by James VI, King of Scotland (1566-1625) as James I, King of England. According to Shakespeare, "Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." The Lord Chamberlain's Men became The King's Men on 19 May 1603. In 1603, Shakespeare acted in Jonson's Sejanus. In 1603, the Black Death killed over 33,000 in London. In 1604, Othello was performed for the first time. According to Othello by William Shakespeare, "Are there no stones in heaven But what serve for the thunder?" In 1604, Shakespeare wrote Measure for Measure. According to Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare, "Man, proud man, Drest in a little brief authority, Most ignorant of what he's most assur'd, His glassy essence, like an angry ape, Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven, As make the angels weep." In 1605, he wrote King Lear. In 1606, Macbeth. The King's Men bought the Blackfriars Theatre. His daughter, Susanna Shakespeare married Dr. John Hall in 1607. In 1607, Shakespeare wrote Antony and Cleopatra and Timon of Athens. In 1608, the Black Death returned. In 1608, The King's Men began playing at the Blackfriars. His mother, Mary Arden died in 1608. In 1608, he wrote Coriolanus. In 1609, The Sonnets was published. In 1610, he wrote The Winter's Tale. According to The Winters Tale by William Shakespeare, "As she lived peerless, So her dead likeness, I do well believe, Excels whatever yet you look'd upon Or hand of man hath done; therefore I keep it Lonely, apart. But here it is: prepare To see the life as lively mock'd as ever Still sleep mock'd death: behold, and say 'tis well." It continues, "Sir, spare your threats: The bug which you would fright me with, I seek." And, "A sad tale's best for winter."

"O look, sir, look, here is more of us! I prophesied if a gallows were on land This fellow could not drown." The Tempest

In 1611, Shakespeare wrote The Tempest. According to The Tempest by William Shakespeare, "Ay, that I will; and I'll be wise hereafter, And seek for grace. What a thrice-double ass Was I to take this drunkard for a god, And worship this dull fool!" Sometime after 1612, Shakespeare retired from the theatre and returned to Stratford. In 1612, Shakespeare wrote Henry VIII. According to Henry VIII by William Shakespeare, "By that sin fell the angels." During a performance of Henry VIII on 29 June 1613, at the Globe Theatre, cannon fire set fire to the roof. In 1614, the second Globe Theatre was built. In January 1616, he drew up his will. He signed his will on 25 March 1616. William Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616. He was buried on 25 April 1616, at the Holy Trinity Church, in Stratford. His wife, Anne Hathaway died on 6 August 1623. She was buried at the Holy Trinity Church, in Stratford. In 1623, the First Folio of his plays was published. In 1644, the Globe Theatre was demolished by the Puritans.

  "For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright, who art as black as hell, as dark as night." William Shakespeare

Excerpts: Venus and Adonis by William Shakespeare, King Richard III by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Othello by William Shakespeare, The Winters Tale by William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare, The Tempest by William Shakespeare and Henry VIII by William Shakespeare.

19-20th Cent. Marie Valerie, Archduchess of Austria.

Archduchess Marie Valerie Mathilde Amalie of Austria was born on 22 April 1868, in Ofen, Hungary. She was the fourth and youngest child of Elisabeth, Empress Consort of Austria (24 December 1837 - 10 September 1898) and Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria (18 August 1830 - 21 November 1916). Her maternal grandparents were Marie Ludovika, Princess of Bavaria (30 August 1808 - 25 January 1892) and Maximilian Joseph, Duke in Bavaria (4 December 1808 - 15 November 1888). Her paternal grandparents were Sophie, Princess of Bavaria (27 January 1805 - 28 May 1872) and Franz Karl, Archduke of Austria (17 December 1802 - 8 March 1878). Marie Valerie's parents were married on 24 April 1854, at the St. Augustine's Church, in Wien. Her siblings were: Sophie of Austria (5 March 1855 - 29 May 1857), Gisela of Austria (15 July 1856 - 27 July 1932) and Rudolf of Austria (21 August 1858 - 30 January 1889). Called Valerie, her mother Elisabeth was allowed to raise Marie Valerie herself and was especially attached to her. According to a letter her paternal grandmother, Sophie wrote to her maternal grandmother, Marie Ludovika, "Sisi is completely absorbed by her love and care for this irresistible little angel." Marie Valerie was referred to as, "Die Einzige" (The Only Child). Her sister, Gisela of Austria married Prince Leopold of Bavaria (1846-1930) in 1873. In 1888, Marie Valerie was engaged to Franz Salvator, Archduke of Austria-Tuscany. He was the son of Princess Maria Immaculata of Bourbon-Two-Sicilies and Archduke Karl Salvator, Prince of Tuscany. Her brother, Rudolf and his mistress, Mary Vetsera committed suicide on 30 January 1889, in Mayerling. Marie Valerie renounced her rights to the Austrian throne, on 16 July 1890, at the Hermes Villa. Marie Valerie and Franz Salvator were married on 31 July 1890, in the Church of Bad Ischl. They lived at Schloss Lichtenegg. Marie Valerie and Franz had ten children. Their first child, a daughter Elisabeth Franziska called Ella, was born on 27 January 1892.

The Children of Marie Valerie of Austria and Franz Salvator of Austria-Tuscany:
Elisabeth Franziska (27 January 1892 - 29 January 1930) Married Count Georg of Waldburg-Zeil-Trauchburg.
Franz Karl Salvator (17 February - 12 December 1918)
Hubert Salvator (30 April 1894 - 24 March 1971) Married Princess Rosemary of Salm-Salm.
Hedwig (24 September 1896 - 1 November 1970) Married Count Bernard of Stolberg-Stolberg.
Theodor Salvator (9 October 1899 - 8 April 1978) Married Countess Maria Theresa of Waldburg-Zeil-Trauchburg.
Gertrud (19 November 1900 - 20 December 1962) Married Count Georg of Waldburg-Zeil-Trauchburg.
Maria Elisabeth (19 November 1901 - 29 December 1936)
Clemens Salvator (6 October 1904 - 20 August 1974) Married Countess Elisabeth Rességuier de Miremont.
Mathilde (9 August 1906 - 18 October 1991) Married Ernst Hefel.
Agnes (26 June 1911 - 26 June 1911)

Marie Valerie and Franz Salvator purchased on 11 June 1895, Schloss Wallsee, on the Danube River. Her mother, Elisabeth of Bavaria was assassinated on 10 September 1898, in Geneva. She was interred in the Imperial Crypt, in Wien. In 1900, Marie Valerie became a patron of the Red Cross. During World War I, she created hospital barracks in Schloss Wallsee. She became known as the, "Angel of Waldsee." After the end of World War I, Marie Valerie officially recognized the end of the Hapsburg Monarchy and signed documents renouncing all rights for herself and her descendants. Franz Salvator had many affairs, including one with Princess Stephanie von Hohenlohe (1891-1972). She gave birth to a son by him, Franz Josef Rudolf Hans Weriand Max Stefan Anton von Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst on 5 December 1914. In the autumn of 1924, her sister Gisela wrote in a letter, "I must add that I have seen Valerie - fully conscious, completely aware of her condition, and so devoutly accepting, even joyfully anticipating her impending departure, that I believe an unexpected recovery would actually disappoint her." Marie Valerie of Austria died of lymphoma aged 56, on 6 September 1924, at Schloss Wallsee. She was interred in Sindelburg. Franz Salvator married his second wife, Melanie Freiin von Riesenfels (20 September 1898 - 10 November 1984) morganatically on 28 April 1934, in Wien. The couple lived at Seisenegg. They had no children. Franz Salvator died on 20 April 1939, in Wien.

17-18th Cent. Princess Antoinette Amalie of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel

 

Princess Antoinette Amalie was born on 22 April 1696, in Wolfenbüttel. She was the daughter of Princess Christine Louise of Oettingen-Oettingen (20 March 1671 - 3 September 1747) and Louis Rudolph, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (22 July 1671 - 1 March 1735). Her maternal grandparents were Christine Friederike, Duchess of Württemberg (1644-1674) and Albert Ernest I, Prince of Oettingen. Her paternal grandparents were Elisabeth Juliana of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg and Anthony Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (4 October 1633 - 27 March 1714). Antoinette Amalie's parents were married on 22 April 1690, at Aurich, Germany. Her siblings were: Elizabeth Christine (28 August 1691 - 21 December 1750) and Charlotte Christine (29 August 1694 - 2 November 1715). Antoinette Amalie married Ferdinand Albert, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (29 May 1680 - 2 September 1735) on 15 October 1712, in Brunswick. He was the son of Christine of Hessen-Eschewege and Ferdinand Albert, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (22 May 1636 - 25 April 1687). Antoinette Amalie and Ferdinand Albrecht had six daughters and eight sons.

The Children of Antoinette Amalie and Ferdinand Albrecht II:
Karl I of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (1 August 1713 - 26 March 1780)
Anton Ulrich of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (28 August 1714 - 4 May 1774)
Princess Elisabeth Christine of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (8 November 1715 - 13 January 1797) Married Frederick II, King of Prussia in 1733.
Ludwig Ernst of Kurland (25 September 1718 - 12 May 1788)
August of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (23 November 1719 - 26 March 1720)
Ferdinand of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (12 January 1721 - 3 July 1792)
Princess Luise Amalie of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (29 January 1722 - 13 January 1780)
Princess Sophie Antonie of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (3 January 1724 - 17 March 1802)
Albrecht of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (4 May 1725 - 30 September 1745)
Theresa Natalie of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (4 June 1728 - 26 June 1778)
Princess Juliane Marie of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (4 September 1729 - 10 October 1796)
Friedrich Wilhelm of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (17 January 1731 - 24 December 1732)
Friedrich Franz of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (8 June 1732 - 14 October 1758)

Her daughter, Elisabeth Christine married Frederick II, King of Prussia (24 January 1712 - 17 August 1786) on 12 June 1733, in Salzdahlum. He was the son of Sophia Dorothea of Hanover, Queen Consort in Prussia (16 March 1687 - 28 June 1757) and Frederick William I, King in Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg (14 August 1688 - 31 May 1740). Her husband, Ferdinand Albrecht died on 2 September 1735. Antoinette Amalie died aged 65, on 6 March 1762, in Brunswick.

15-16th Cent. Isabella I, Queen of Spain.

Isabella I, Queen of Spain and Ferdinand II, King of Aragon

Isabella of Castile was born on 22 April 1451, in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Spain. She was the daughter of Isabella of Portugal (1428-1496) and Juan II, King of Castile (1405-1454). Her maternal grandparents were Isabella of Braganza (1414-1476) and Juan, Lord of Reguengos de Monsaraz, Colares and Belas (1400-1442). Her paternal grandparents were Katherine of Lancaster (1373-1418) and Henry III (1379-1406). Her father, Juan II married his first wife, Maria of Aragon (1396-1445) in 1418. She was the daughter of Eleanor of Alburquerque and Ferdinand I of Aragon. They had four children: Catalina (1422-1424), Leonor (1423-1425), Henry IV (1425-1474) and Maria (1428-1429). Maria of Aragon died in 1445. Isabella's parents were married on 22 July 1447. She had a younger brother: Alfonso, Prince of Asturias (1453-1468). Her father, Juan II died on 20 July 1454. He was succeeded by his son, as Henry IV. Her brother, Alfonso died on 5 July 1468. Henry IV declared Isabella to be the Heir to the Throne. Isabella of Castile married Ferdinand of Aragon on 19 October 1469, in the Palace of Juan de Vivero. He was the son of Juana Enriquez de Córdoba (1425-1468) and Juan II, King of Aragon (1397-1479). Isabella and Ferdinand had five children.

The Children of Isabella I and Ferdinand II:

Isabella of Aragon (1470-1498) Married 1st: Prince Afonso, Prince of Portugal. Married 2nd: Prince Emanuel of Portugal.

Juan, Prince of Asturias (1478-1497) Married Margaret of Austria in 1497.

Joanna of Aragon, Queen of Castile (6 November 1479 - 12 April 1555) Married Philip I the Handsome.

Maria of Aragon (29 June 1482 - 7 March 1517) Married Emanuel I, King of Portugal.

Katherine of Aragon, Queen Consort of England (16 December 1485 - 7 January 1536) Married 1st: Arthur, Prince of Wales. Married 2nd: Henry VIII, King of England.

Her half-brother, Henry IV died in 1474, in Madrid. Isabella was declared Queen of Castile, but before Henry IV died, he had arranged his daughter, Joan to be married to Alfonso V, King of Portugal and made his daughter the Heir to the Throne. Castile and Aragon then went to war with Portugal. In 1479, the war ended with an alliance between the Kingdoms. As part of the peace treaty, Joan abandoned her claim to the Throne, making Isabella I, Queen of Spain and her husband, Ferdinand II, King of Aragon. Isabella I created the motto "Tanto monta, monta tanto - Isabel como Fernando" (As much as the one is worth so much is the other - Isabella as Ferdinand). In 1478, Pope Sixtus IV established the Spanish Inquisition. Anyone who was not a Catholic, risked torture and death if they did not renounce their own religion and became a Catholic. Queen Isabella I and Ferdinand II received Christpher Columbus and listened to his plans to find a new route to India. Columbus and his men set sail on 3 August 1492, in three ships, the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. He reached on 12 October 1492, America. In 1493, Columbus returned to Spain. Her daughter, Joanna of Aragon married Archduke Philip the Handsome, in 1496, at Lier, north of Brussels. He was the son of Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor. Her daughter, Katherine of Aragon married Arthur, Prince of Wales (20 September 1486 - 2 April 1502) on 14 November 1501, at St. Paul's Cathedral. Arthur of Wales died on 2 April 1502. Katherine then became promised to Arthur's younger brother, Henry (28 June 1491 - 28 January 1547). Isabella I died aged 53, on 26 November 1504, in the Castle of La Mota, in Medina del Campo, Spain. She was entombed in Capilla Real, Granada, Spain. Her husband, Ferdinand II married his second wife, Germaine of Foix on 19 October 1505, at Blois. They had one son, Juan who died hours after being born on 3 May 1509. Ferdinand II died on 23 January 1516, in Madrigalejo. He was succeeded by his grandson, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.