Isabella Finch

Lady Isabella Finch (1700 – 1771) was an English noblewoman who served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Princess Amelia of Hanover. She was born in 1700 to Daniel Finch, 2nd Earl of Nottingham, and Hon. Anne Hatton. Her mother previously held the position of Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Mary II in 1691. Lady Isabella Finch was one of at least twelve siblings, being the fourth surviving child of her parents. The family resided at Burley on the Hill in Rutland, a residence designed by her father.

In 1738 or shortly thereafter, Finch became Lady of the Bedchamber to Princess Amelia, the sister of King George III and an unmarried woman. In 1740, Princess Amelia commissioned William Kent to construct a townhouse at 44 Berkeley Square, which was built between 1742 and 1744. Lady Isabella Finch was actively involved in the design of this residence, engaging in extensive correspondence with her brother-in-law, the 1st Marquess of Rockingham, to discuss its features.

Lady Finch was known for hosting social gatherings at her home, entertaining notable guests such as Princess Amelia, Horace Walpole, and the Duke and Duchess of Newcastle. Horace Walpole, a contemporary writer and politician, made personal remarks about Lady Finch's appearance, noting her "dusky hue," a characteristic she shared with other family members.

Throughout her life, Lady Finch maintained a proactive involvement with political and social affairs. In 1761, she corresponded directly with Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle, then Prime Minister, regarding Princess Amelia’s pension arrears. Her advocacy resulted in the prompt payment of the owed pension, demonstrating her willingness to assert influence in matters concerning the royal household.

In 1747, Lady Finch became involved in a family controversy when she refused to present her brother’s illegitimate child at court. Further, in 1764, she was reported by Horace Walpole to be engaging in flirtatious correspondence with the 1st Earl of Bath. The earl sent her a half-crown, which she suggested could be exchanged for a coronet, implying her desire for a higher social acknowledgment.

That same year, her niece, Lady Henrietta Wentworth, eloped with her footman. Lady Finch never married throughout her life. She likely died in 1771 at her residence in Berkeley Square. Her estate was inherited by her brother, Edward Finch, and subsequently passed to his son, George Finch-Hatton. In 1774, the house was purchased by William Henry Fortescue, 1st Earl of Clermont, who used it as his London townhouse. The property was later associated with the Clermont Club in the 20th century.