Frances Finch

Frances Juliana Finch, Countess of Winchilsea and Nottingham, was born on 20 January 1709. She was the daughter of Basil Feilding, 4th Earl of Denbigh and 3rd Earl of Desmond, and his wife, Hester Firebrace, the daughter of Sir Basil Firebrace, 1st Baronet. She was baptized in the Parish of St Gyles, London. Frances had a total of nine siblings, including William Feilding, who became the 5th Earl of Denbigh.

In December 1729, she married Daniel Finch, who held the title of 8th Earl of Winchilsea. The marriage produced one daughter, Lady Charlotte Finch, born in 1731 and living until 1796. Little detailed information is available about her personal life beyond her marriage and family relationships.

Frances Juliana Finch is notably recognized for her involvement in social reform activities, particularly in connection with Thomas Coram’s efforts to establish the Foundling Hospital, an institution aimed at caring for abandoned children. She was among the group of aristocratic women who supported the initiative in its early stages. On 25 April 1730, she signed the Ladies' Petition, which was presented to King George II, advocating for the founding of the Hospital. Among the signatories, she is the individual about whom the least is documented.

These women contributed their influence and social standing to the project, helping to elevate its profile and support its success. The collective effort of these women rendered the charity fashionable among the upper classes of society at the time.

In recognition of the historical importance of women’s roles in establishing and managing the Foundling Hospital, the Foundling Museum organized an exhibition in 2018 titled "Ladies of Quality and Distinction." The exhibition included a family portrait of Frances Juliana Finch, highlighting her connection to this social movement. Through her marriage, she was also related to Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon, who signed the same petition supporting the Hospital.

Frances Juliana Finch died on 3 October 1734, with the cause of her death not recorded. She was buried at Ravenstone in Buckinghamshire, the family seat of her husband.