Lady Constance Hastings

A carte-de-visite portrait of Lady Constance Hastings (1844-1905).

Born Lady Augusta Constance Muir Rawdon-Hastings on 16 March 1844, her father, who died before her birth, was George Augustus Francis Rawdon-Hastings, 2nd Marquess of Hastings. Her mother was Barbara Yelverton, Baroness Grey (of Ruthin). On 30 July 1863 at Castle Donington, Leicestershire, she married Charles Marsham, son of the 4th Earl of Romney. Her husband succeeded his father in 1874 and Lady Marsham became the Countess of Romney.

Her husband died on 21 August 1905, at the age of 64. Lady Romney died of heart failure on 1 September 1910, aged 66, at her residence, 22 Chester Square, London. She was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. Queen Alexandra sent a wreath 'In memory of dear Lady Romney, and of many years' friendship.'

Her brother was the notorious Henry Rawdon-Hastings, 4th Marquess of Hastings, whose unfortunate connection with the turf led to huge losses before his early death.

Photographed by Camille Silvy of London on 3 May 1861.

[From an album compiled by Anna Maria Louisa Barnewall, daughter of Lord Trimleston.]