Georgiana Howard, Countess Of Carlisle

Georgiana Dorothy Howard, Countess of Carlisle (née Cavendish), was born on July 12, 1783, at Devonshire House. She was the eldest child of William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire, and Lady Georgiana Spencer. Her father was among the wealthiest landowners in England, and her family was part of the country's prominent aristocratic circles. Her mother was known for her political hostessing and social influence.

Her birth followed a nine-year period of marriage between her parents that initially resulted in no children, making her arrival notable within her family context. She was named after her mother, Lady Georgiana Spencer, and her aunt, the Duchess of Portland, who served as a godparent. The Duchess of Devonshire chose to breastfeed Georgiana herself, a decision considered unusual among her social class at the time. She was christened a month after her birth at Wimbledon Park, a locale significant for its familial history.

Georgiana had a younger sister named Harriet, born in 1785, and a brother, William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington, born in 1790. Her mother had an illegitimate child, Eliza Courtney, with Charles Earl Grey, which led to the separation of her parents in the early 1790s. After her mother's return from the continent in 1793, Georgiana was observed to be a young girl with developing religious sensibilities and a keen interest in books, indicating close affection with her mother.

At the age of 17, Georgiana was presented at court, an important social milestone for noblewomen of her status. Her debut was marked by a notable ball, and contemporary observations described her as a sensible and engaging young woman. Suitors considered for her included Lord John Russell and George Howard, Viscount Morpeth. Her mother favored Morpeth, then the eldest son of the 5th Earl of Carlisle. Georgiana married George Howard on March 21, 1801, when she was 17 years old. He later became the 6th Earl of Carlisle in 1825, upon his father's death, whereupon Georgiana assumed the title of Countess of Carlisle.

Following her marriage, Georgiana and her husband resided at Castle Howard in Yorkshire. She was surprised to find that the household environment was less affectionate toward children than her own family had been. The couple had twelve children together: six sons and six daughters, including George Howard, who became the 7th Earl of Carlisle, and William George Howard, the 8th Earl of Carlisle. Several of her children married, forming alliances with other noble families; for example, Lady Caroline Georgiana Howard married William Lascelles, and Lady Harriet Elizabeth Georgina Howard married the 2nd Duke of Sutherland.

Georgiana traveled with her husband to Paris in 1803, where they engaged with French aristocracy and remained active in social circles. Her mother, Lady Georgiana Spencer, passed away in 1791, and her father, the 5th Duke of Devonshire, died in 1848. Georgiana's husband succeeded as Earl of Carlisle in 1825, at which time she became the Countess of Carlisle.

She continued her involvement in social and political affairs throughout her married life. Her opinion on political matters was noted to be highly focused, and she expressed her views during the years of her widowhood. She inherited Chiswick House from her brother in her later years and died on August 8, 1858. Her death followed the death of her brother, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, seven months prior.