Anne Speke

Anne North, Countess of Guilford (née Speke), was born circa 1739–1741 in Ilminster, Somerset. She was the daughter of George Speke, Member of Parliament, and his third wife, Anne Williams. Her father died in 1753, when she was approximately 12 years old, resulting in her inheritance of the Drake estates in Devonshire and Dillington House.

On 20 May 1756, at approximately 16 years of age, she married Frederick North, later the Earl of Guilford, who was then known as Lord North. At the time of marriage, Lord North was the Member of Parliament for Banbury and was about eight years her senior. Her dowry was valued at approximately four thousand pounds per year. Contemporary society commented on their appearances, with Lady Harcourt noting that Lord North was considered more handsome than his wife, who was described as short and plump. Despite this, their marriage was reported to be happy.

The couple had seven children:

- George Augustus North, born 11 September 1757, later the 3rd Earl of Guilford. He married Maria Frances Mary Hobart-Hampden on 30 September 1785, and after her death, Susan Coutts on 28 February 1796. They had issue.

- Catherine Anne North, born 1760, married Sylvester Douglas, 1st Baron Glenbervie, and had no children.

- Francis North, born 25 December 1761, became the 4th Earl of Guilford.

- Lady Anne North, born 8 January 1764, married the 1st Earl of Sheffield on 20 January 1798, and had two children.

- Frederick North, born 7 February 1766, became the 5th Earl of Guilford.

- Lady Charlotte North, born December 1770, married Lt. Col. The Hon. John Lindsay on 2 April 1800.

- Dudley North, born 31 May 1777 and died in 1779. Some sources omit him from the list of children.

In 1770, Lord North became First Lord of the Treasury, serving as Prime Minister of Great Britain until 1782. His tenure encompassed the American Revolutionary War, which resulted in Britain losing its North American colonies. His administration was succeeded by a motion of no confidence following the British defeat at the Battle of Yorktown.

In 1786, Lady North encountered Abigail Adams, wife of U.S. Ambassador John Adams, in London. Abigail Adams later described Lady North and her daughter Anne unfavorably in a letter, commenting on their appearances and manners.

From 1786, Lord North's vision deteriorated, and he began to go blind. He retired from active politics in 1790 when he succeeded to the title of Earl of Guilford, elevating Anne to the rank of countess. A visit by Horace Walpole in 1787 described her attentive care for Lord North, noting her affection and family devotion during his partial loss of sight. Lord North died in 1792.

Anne North, Countess of Guilford, died on 17 January 1797 at Bushy House, Teddington, London, and was buried in Wroxton. Her daughter Charlotte Lindsay remarked on her mother's plain appearance but emphasized her good sense, mild temper, humor, and conversational abilities. She noted that Anne was naturally shy and indolent, preferring to listen rather than speak. She also commented on the affectionate relationship between Anne and her husband, observing that their union was notably harmonious and enduring over thirty-six years.