This early work by Charles Lewis Meryon was originally published in 1845
and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography.
'Memoirs of the Lady Hester Stanhope Volume I.' is the first of a three
volume work on her life and travels. Lady Hester Lucy Stanhope was born
on 12th March 1776, in Chevening, Kent, England. Her father was Charles
Stanhope, 3rd Earl Stanhope, and her mother, Lady Hester Pitt. Stanhope
spent her youth in Chevening but moved in 1800 to live with her grandma,
Countess of Chatham, at Burton Pynsent. Three years later she became
chief to the household of her uncle, William Pitt the Younger, during
his time as British Prime Minister. Stanhope gained a reputation as an
excellent hostess both for her beauty and her conversation skills.