Dorothy Clement

Dorothy Clement was born around 1715, the daughter of Hammond and Priscilla Clement. Her father, Hammond, was born in 1692 and served as Postmaster of Darlington; he was baptized at Durham Cathedral. Her grandfather, John Clement, born in 1670, worked as a porter at Durham College. Priscilla Clement may have a connection to Mrs. Clement or Clements who is believed to have invented English mustard in Durham in 1720. Dorothy’s parents were married in 1712.

At the age of 15, Dorothy left Darlington to move to London, where she initially resided in Drake Street, Red Lion Square. Early descriptions of her during this time depict her sitting on a dust cart in ragged clothing, but also note her notable beauty. Around 1730, she worked for a woman identified as Mrs. Rennie, who was variously described as a maker of children's coats, a second-hand clothes shop proprietor in Pall Mall, or a milliner in Covent Garden.

During this period, she came into contact with Edward Walpole, the son of Robert Walpole, who is recognized as the first Prime Minister of Great Britain, serving from 1721 to 1741. Edward Walpole was an unmarried Member of Parliament representing Lostwithiel and reportedly had a maid or servant named Clement, possibly indicating her status at that time. Their relationship developed over time, leading her to move into Walpole’s residence. Although Walpole never married Dorothy Clement, likely because of her lower social origins, they had at least four children together. The Walpole family acknowledged the children, treating them as legitimate, and all bore the surname Walpole.

Dorothy Clement died around 1739. Following her death, her sister Mary was brought from Darlington to care for her children. The children of Dorothy Clement and Edward Walpole included:

- Laura Walpole, born September 13, 1758; married Reverend Frederick Keppel, later Bishop of Exeter, on September 13, 1758, and died July 27, 1813, leaving descendants.

- Maria Walpole, born May 15, 1759; first married the Earl Waldegrave and later married Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, on September 6, 1766; she died August 22, 1807, leaving issue from both marriages.

- Edward Walpole, born August 22, 1737; died in 1771, without children.

- Charlotte Walpole, born December 9, 1738; married Lionel Tollemache, Lord Huntingtower (later Earl of Dysart), on October 2, 1760, and died September 5, 1789, without issue.