Countess of Gainsborough

Born in 1821 Lady Ida Harriet Augusta Hay was the daughter of William George Hay, 18th Earl of Erroll, and his wife Elizabeth née FitzClarence, an illegitimate daughter King William IV by his mistress Dorothea Bland (Mrs Jordan).

In 1840 she was one of the bridesmaids at the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

On 1 November 1841, she married Charles George Noel, eldest son and heir of Charles Noel, 1st Earl of Gainsborough. The marriage produced five children. On 10 June 1866 her husband succeeded to his titles and estate and she became the Countess of Gainsborough.

The Countess of Gainsborough died on 22 October 1867, aged 46. The death was registered at Oakham in the County of Rutland.

Photographed by the Southwell Brothers of London.