Notes:

--- "Morning Advertiser" 4 Mar 1851, page 8:
BIRTHS. On the 1st inst., in Dover-street, the Lady Louisa Ponsonby, of a son.

Edward married Blanche Vere Guest on 22 Apr 1875. Blanche (daughter of John Josiah Guest and Charlotte Elizabeth Bertie) was born on 25 Aug 1847; was christened on 25 Sep 1847 in Great Canford, Dorset; died on 11 Oct 1919. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

--- "Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard" 16 Mar 1895, page 5:
DOWN AMPNEY
The Earl of Bessborough.--- The Hon. and Rev. Walter William Brabazon Ponsonby, who succeeds his brother as seventh Earl, as reported in another page, married, in 1850, Lady Louisa Susan Cornwallis Eliot, duaghter of the third Earl of St. Germans. Their son, Mr. Edward Ponsonby, the Speaker's Secretary, becomes Viscount Duncannon. The Earl of Bessborough is a cousin of Lord de Mauley. The new Earl and Countess of Bessborough have been spending the winter in Cornwall, on a visit to their relatives the Earl and Countess of St. Germans, at Port Eliot. Lord Bessborough is suffering from influenza, and is confined to his bed at Port Eliot.

--- "Cheltenham Chronicle" 3 Mar 1906, page 7:
DEATH OF THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGH.
The Rev. the Earl of Bessborough died at his London residence, 38 Eccleston-square, shortly before nine o'clock on Saturday night. Deceased, who was in his eighty-fifth year, had been ailing for some time, but the end came somewhat unexpectedly. His lordship was the seventh earl in the peerage of Ireland, and sat in the House of Lords as Baron Ponsonby, in the peerage of Great Britain. The deceased earl, who succeeded his bother in the title in 1895, was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated M.A. He was rector of Canford Magna from 1846 to 1869, of Beer Ferris from 1869 to 1875, of Marston Bigot from 1875 to 1880, and of Stutton, Suffolk, from 1880 to 1894. He is succeeded by his eldest son, Viscount Duncannon. One of the late peer's brothers married a sister of the Earl of Coventry, and one of his daughters is Countess Raglan. His lordship was, after his ordination, licensed to the curacy of Hatherop, Gloucestershire, in 1845.

--- "London Daily News" 03 Mar 1906, page 9:
BURIAL OF LORD BESSBOROUGH.
Yesterday the remains of the late Earl of Bessborough were interred in the family vault at Piltown, County Kilkenny, and a representative attendance showed the esteem in which he was held. A feature of the funeral procession was a large number of children from seven schools on the estate. A letter was received from King Edward conveying a message of condolence with Lady Bessborough, Lord Duncannon, and family in the loss they had sustained.

Walter married Louisa Susan Cornwallis Eliot on 15 Jan 1850 in St. James', Picadilly, Westminster, London. Louisa (daughter of 3rd Earl St. Germans, Edward Granville Eliot and Countess St. Germans, Jemima Cornwallis) was born on 17 Dec 1825 in 47 Dover Street, St. George, Hanover Square, London, Middlesex; was christened on 17 Jan 1826 in St. German's Church, St. Germans, Cornwall,; died on 15 Jan 1911 in 38 Eccleston Square, Westminster, London; was buried on 20 Jan 1911 in Family Vault, Pilltown, County Killkenny, Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Medical: Bef 15 Jun 1847, Has Measles
• Census: 1851, 36 Dover St., St. George's Hanover Square, Westminster, London

Notes:

--- "Morning Chronicle" 23 December 1825, page 4:
On the 17th instant, the Lady Jemima Eliot, of a daughter.

--- "Western Courier" 13 Sep 1843, page 3:
Lady Jemima Eliot, accompanied by the Honourable Miss Eliot, have left the seat of the venerable Earl of St. Germans for Ireland, and the Misses Pringle, have since arrived at Port Eliot on a visit to the noble Earl.

--- "London Evening Standard" 25 Dec 1847, page 2:
The Earl of St. Germans and Lord Eliot arrived at Port Eliot, the family seat in Cornwall, on Wednesday last from town. The Countess and Lady Louisa Eliot had arrived there the previous Friday.

--- "Western Courier" 2 Feb 1848, page 3:
Major-General the Hon. Henry, and Mrs. Murray entertained at dinner on Thursday, the 27th of January, at Government House, Lord Eliot, Lady Louisa Eliot, Hon. Granville and William Eliot, Hon. Captain and Mrs. Dalzell, 81st Regiment; Colonel and Mrs. Barlow, 14th Regiment; Colonel and Mrs. Rowland, Royal Artillery; Captain Schomber, R.N.; Mr. Massingberd; Copleston L. Radcliffe, Esq; Lieutenant and Miss West; Lietuenants Lepper and Jones; Captain Nelson, Brigade Majore; Captain Prothero, A.D.C. The whole party went in the evening to the ball at Moorshead's Hotel, patronised by the Honourable Mrs. Henry Murray, which was very well attended; and the arrangements did credit to Mr. Moorshead, and gave universal satisfaction. It is hoped that these ball-rooms will be liberally patronised, as they afford amusement easily accessible to families residing at Stoke, Devonport, and in Cornwall.

--- "Illustrated London News" 2 Jun 1849, page 10:
MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE.--- On Wednesday, at St. George's Church, Miss Meyrick, eldest daughter of Colonel and Lady Laura Meyrick, and niece of the Duke and Duchess of Cleveland, was led to the hymeneal altar by Mr. Charles Holder, of the 5th Dragoon Guards. The bride, who was very beautifully attired, was attended by a train of eleven bridemaids, four of whom were her own sisters; the Lady Rachel Russell, Lady Louisa Eliot, Lady Margarent Butler, the Hon. Miss Cotton, Miss Phillpotts, Miss Augusta Somerset, and Miss Gertrude Vane making up the number. Several of these young ladies were attired in pink satin costumes, and the remainder in blue dresses of a similar material. The Bishop of Exeter performed the ceremony, which was attended by a large circle of the friends of both parties. The bride's presents were of the most superb description. The Duke and Duchess of Cleveland, with characteristic munificence, presented their fair niece with a purse of 10,000 pounds, and other relatives made valuable additions to the fiance's jewel-case.

--- "Illustrated London News" 1 Dec 1849, page 12:
The Earl and Countess of St. Germans, and Lady Louisa Eliot arrived in town on Thursday, from a visiting tour in Scotland.

--- "Morning Post" 18 Sep 1854, page 4:
The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the Countess St. Germans intend to sojourn a few weeks at Port Eliot, the family seat in Cornwall. Lady Louisa Ponsonby (daughter of the noble earl and countess) and infant son, by the last letters from Canford, are progressing most favourably.

--- "Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard" 16 Mar 1895, page 5:
DOWN AMPNEY
The Earl of Bessborough.--- The Hon. and Rev. Walter William Brabazon Ponsonby, who succeeds his brother as seventh Earl, as reported in another page, married, in 1850, Lady Louisa Susan Cornwallis Eliot, duaghter of the third Earl of St. Germans. Their son, Mr. Edward Ponsonby, the Speaker's Secretary, becomes Viscount Duncannon. The Earl of Bessborough is a cousin of Lord de Mauley. The new Earl and Countess of Bessborough have been spending the winter in Cornwall, on a visit to their relatives the Earl and Countess of St. Germans, at Port Eliot. Lord Bessborough is suffering from influenza, and is confined to his bed at Port Eliot.

--- "Royal Cornwall Gazette" Thursday, 17 Feb 1898, page 4:
LOCAL GOSSIP.
Lord and Lady Bessborough and Lady Mary Ponsonby have been staying for some time at Port Eliot, Cornwall, on a visit to Lord and Lady St. Germans. Lady Bessborough is the only sister of Lord St. Germans. She passed all her early life at Port Eliot, and was greatly beloved in the village of St. Germans.

--- "The Scotsman" 16 Jan 1911, page 6:
The Dowager Countess of Bessborough, widow of the seventh Earl, and only sister of the Earl of St Germans, died yesterday morning at her London residence, 38 Eccleston Square. She was 85 years of age. Her Ladyship, who was a daughter of the third Earl of St. Germans and married in 1850, leaves three daughters and five sons. She had been ill for about two months.

--- "Exeter and Plymouth Gazette" Monday, 16 Jan 1911, page 3:
DEATH OF THE DOWAGER COUNTESS BESSBOROUGH.
The Dowager Countess of Bessborough, widow of the seventh Earl, and only sister of the Earl of St. Germans, died yesterday morning at her London residence, 38, Eccleston Square. Her ladyship, who was a daughter of the third Earl of St. Germans, and married in 1850, leaves three daughters and five sons. She was 85 years of age and had been ill for about two months. She gradually grew worse, and, following a serious attack on Monday last, death occurred yesterday from heart failure.

--- "Exeter and Plymouth Gazette" Friday, 20 Jan 1911, page 9:
The Hon. Constance Waldegrave, Sir Spencer Ponsonby Fane, and Sir Hubert and Lady Medlycott were present at the first part of the funeral service of the Dowager Countess of Bessborough, at St. Gabriel's, Warwick-square, Pimlico. The coffin was subsequently removed for interment in the family vault at Bessborough, Piltown, Kilkenny.

--- "Cheltenham Looker-On" Saturday, 21 Jan 1911, page 24:
OBITUARY. We regret to announce the death of the Dowager Countess of Bessborough, which took place on Sunday last from heart failure, on the sixty-first anniversary of her wedding day. Lady Bessborough, who was in her eighty-sixth year, was the widow of Walter, seventh Earl of Bessborough, and daughter of Edward, third Earl of St. Germans. She was the grandmother of Lord Duncannon, Lady Oranmore and Browne and Lady Irene Congreve, and had great-grandchildren.

--- "Hackney Express & Shoreditch Observer", 21 Jan 1911, page 6:
The Dowager Countess of Bessborough, sister of the Earl of St. Germans, died in London on Sunday morning from heart failure at the age of 85. She had been ill for about two . . . [scan did not pick up the last line]

--- "Royal Cornwall Gazette" 26 Jan 1911, page 4:
At the funeral of Louisa Dowager Countess of Bessborough, on Friday, at the family burial ground attached to the Episcopalian Church of Piltown, co. Kilkenny, the chief mourners included Lord Eliot. Upwards of a hundred wreaths were laid on the grave, the principal tributes including those from the Earl and Countess of St. Germans, Lord Eliot, and Sir Reginald and Lady Beatrice Pole-Carew.

Notes:

Married:
• "Hertford Mercury and Reformer" 19 Jan 1850, page 3:
MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE — The marriage of Lady Louisa Susan Eliot, only daughter of the Earl and Countess of St. Germans, and the Hon. and Rev. Walter Ponsonby, son of the late Earl of Bessborough, was solemnized on Tuesday last, at St. George's Church, Hanover-square, on which occasion a very numerous and distinguished circle assembled to witness the solemnity.

John married Charlotte Elizabeth Bertie on 29 Jul 1833. Charlotte was born on 19 May 1812 in Uffington, Lincolnshire; died on 15 Jan 1895 in Canford Manor House, Canford, Dorset; was buried in Canford Magna Parish Churchyard, Canford, Dorset. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Maria Fane. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Education: 03 Feb 1809 - 1811, Westminster School
• Education: 13 Dec 1815, Matric. Christ Church, Oxford (aged 17)
• Residence: Oct 1816, Trebursey
• Occupation: 03 Sep 1819, Brussels (At the Embassy)
• Occupation: 29 Jan 1821, Brussels (At the Embassy)
• Military Service: 10 Oct 1822, Ensign (Cornwall, 32 Regt of Foot)
• Elected: 1827, Mayor of Liskeard
• Military Service: 17 Jan 1827, Lieut-Colonel (Regt. of North Cornwall Yeomanry Cavalry)
• Grand Dinner: 29 Mar 1828, Lord Eliot, Dover Street, London
• Occupation: Apr 1827 - Nov 1830, Lord of the Treasury
• Occupation: 16 Jan 1824 - 1832, M.P. for Liskeard
• Resignation: 11 Feb 1833, Borough of Liskeard (Position of Alderman)
• Occupation: 30 Mar 1835 - 31 Mar 1835, Leaves Dover St. for Spain (Lord Eliot Convention)
• Occupation: 1834 - 1837, Envoy Extraordinary to Spain
• Occupation: 1840, Vice-Pres. Elect for British Association for the Advancement of Science
• Census: 1841, 47 Dover St., St. George's Hanover Square, Westminster, London
• Occupation: 1841, Vice-President of British Association for the Advancement of Science
• Appointment: 2 Apr 1841, Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall
• Visiting: Sep 1843, Lord E and Jemima Tour Lakes of Killarney
• Residence: 1845, 7 New Burlington-street (Stables at 8 Burlington Mews)
• Occupation: Sep 1841 - Jan 1845, Chief Secretary to Lord Lieutenant
• Occupation: 1837 - 19 Jan 1845, M.P. for Cornwall East
• Residence: 1846, 36 Dover Street, Piccadilly, London
• Occupation: Jan 1846 - Jun 1846, Postmaster-General
• Census: 1851, 36 Dover St., St. George's Hanover Square, Westminster, London
• Visiting: 13 Oct 1851, Earl and Countess St G Leave Dover Street for Continental Tour
• Visiting: Mar 1852, Earl and Countess St G Tour Italy and France
• Appointment: 28 Aug 1852, Special Deputy Warden of the Stannaries in Cornwall and Devon
• Occupation: 05 Jan 1853 - 07 Mar 1855, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
• Occupation: 23 Nov 1857 - 25 Feb 1858, Master King's Household (2,000 l. pa); Lord Steward
• Residence: 1860, 36 Dover Street, Piccadilly, London
• Occupation: 20 Jun 1860, Queen's Levee at St. James' Palace; In Honour of Queen's Accession to the Throne
• Census: 1861, Port Eliot, St. Germans, Cornwall
• Residence: 29 Dec 1862, Arrives at Dover-street from Port Eliot
• Occupation: Between 01 Jan 1864 and 19 Jan 1866, Master King's Household (2,000 l. pa); Lord Steward
• Residence: 1865, 36 Dover Street, Piccadilly, London
• Census: 1871, 36 Dover St., St. George's Hanover Square, Westminster, London
• Residence: 1876, 36 Dover St
• Probate: 21 Dec 1877, Principal Registry, London

Notes:

--- "North Devon Journal" 07 Nov 1850, page 8:
ST. GERMANS' AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
The present Earl of St. Germans, better known as Lord Eliot, formerly Secretary for Ireland, met the Agricultural Society of his neighbourhood on Thursday last. As his lordship is a man of considerable mark, and was formerly a Protectionist, our readers may be interested in knowing what are his present opinions upon agriculture, and we therefore insert his speech, as follows:--

I have, on former occasions, called upon you to drink "Prosperity to the St. Germans' Farmers' Club," and have exhorted you to promote its success by all and every means within your power; but I have never done it on any previous occasion with greater earnestness than upon the present, because I feel that the times call for additional exertion. Now, gentlemen, I believe that, throughout the length and the breadth of the land, a spirit has gone forth, exhorting the farmer to develop the capabilities of the soil to the greatest extent, and to increase to the utmost its productive powers -- (hear, hear). Those who make no effort to keep pace with the march of improvement, will not only be left far behind, but will be less able than those who do to cope with the difficulties to which I have adverted -- (hear, hear). Gentlemen, good farming -- by which I do not mean unnecessarily expensive farming -- will frequently pay, when bad farming will not -- (hear, hear). I take good farming to consist in clean and careful cultivation -- in the application of a proper quantity of suitable measure -- in a judicious rotation of crops adapted to the peculiarities of the soil -- and in a judicious outlay of capital to an amount proportioned to the return which it can fairly be expected to make. In these respects, undoubtedly, science does lend its aid; and very useful and important aid it gives us. It teaches the farmer to analyse different manures -- to ascertain their different properties -- and so to learn how far they are, or are not, adapted to the soil which he has to cultivate; but, as Mr. Roseveare has very properly observed, science of itself is not sufficient. Experience must go hand in hand with science, practice with theory; and it is because I think societies such as this particularly well calculated to apply this test of experience to science, that I think them so important. It is not given to science to penetrate all the mysteries of nature -- to lay open all her processes, or to discover all her secrets -- there are some things which it is impossible for science to find out, or to make clear, until the test of practical experience has been applied to them -- (hear, hear). When I look at the vast additions which have been made, within a comparatively short period, to the number of the productions of other soils and other climates, which have become naturalised in this, I do not despair of seeing that number very considerably increased. It is not 70 or 80 years ago, that the cultivation of the turnip became general in the country; my grandfather was one of the first, if not the first, to introduce it here; and when we see that there is now no part of the country in which it is more successfully cultivated than in this, we may fairly hope to obtain equal excellence in other crops -- (hear, hear). I am not a practical man. I do not pretend to give an opinion worth acting on, but I will venture to call your attention to the single subject of flax. Within the last few years the cultivation of flax has spread with extraordinary rapidity throughout the whole of Ireland; and it is there found to be a most valuable crop, the fibre being applied to the manufacture of linen, and the seed as food for cattle. It is impossible for me to say that the soil and climate of this country are as well suited to the growth of flax as the climate and soil of Ireland. I am far from saying so; but I do think that it is worth the while of our agriculturists to enquire how far it may be introduced here with success. Beyond this I will not go; but when I consider the circumstances of the times, and that we are now exposed to the competition of other countries, I feel that no means should be left untried to develop to the utmost the resources and capabilities of the soil. I do not mean to lay down any rule, or to direct you to any course as that which ought to be pursued; but we should not lose sight of the fact that the immediate district is situated within a few miles of the three towns -- I might almost call them the one town, of Plymouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse -- with their population of 100,000; and that there must be, in these towns, with their large and increasing population, a great and growing demand for your meant, milk, butter, turnips, and the other products of the soil. With this market you have frequent communication by water, which you have lately made more available by the introduction of steam; and I may be permitted to remark, in passing, that I think the farmers of the neighbourhood will very much consult their own interests by making that communication by steam as convenient and expeditious as possible. You should not throw away one of the advantages which you possess. If you find that one description of crop will make a better return than another, you should not be so wedded to the practice or routine of former years as to discard it. And without wishing, I repeat, to prescribe any particular course, I think that every man in his own sphere might try some few experiments, and that at these meetings, where men who are engaged in a common pursuit meet together for the advancement of a common object, the greatest possible benefit might be derived from the communication, by individuals, of experiments tried by themselves upon a small scale. With respect to the meeting of to-day, I think that nothing is more calculated to improve our husbandry than the encouragement given by this and similar societies to good ploughing. The time may come when steam will supersede the plough; but, until that day arrives, as good husbandry depends upon the proper culture of the soil, so nothing will do more to promote it than the encouragement of those who plough well -- (hear, hear). It is further important, as showing that we realise and appreciate the exertions of our poorer neighbours, and we may hope that the rewards which have been given, in this assembly, to the successful competitors in this day's trial, will stimulate them to still further efforts.

Edward married Countess St. Germans, Jemima Cornwallis on 02 Sep 1824 in St. James, Westminster, London. Jemima (daughter of 2nd Marquess Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis and Louisa Gordon) was born on 24 May 1803 in Burlington-street, London, Middlesex; was christened on 02 Jun 1803 in Westminster, London; died on 02 Jul 1856 in 36 Dover Street, Piccadilly, St. George, Hanover Square, London; was buried on 07 Jul 1856 in Kensal Green, London (Plot 269, Old Square 167 now Square 183). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Presentation at Court: 20 Jul 1837, Lady Jemima Eliot by the Countess of Charlemont
• Visiting: Sep 1843, Lord E and Jemima Tour Lakes of Killarney
• Visiting: 13 Oct 1851, Earl and Countess St G Leave Dover Street for Continental Tour
• Visiting: Mar 1852, Earl and Countess St G Tour Italy and France
• Visiting: 02 May 1855, Attends Queen's Drawing Room
• Residence: 29 Dec 1862, Arrives at Dover-street from Port Eliot
• Probate: 08 Jul 1878, Cornwall Principal Registry

Notes:

Married:

• "Exeter Flying Post" 09 Sep 1824, page 4:
MARRIED.
On Thursday, in London, Lord Eliot, eldest son of the Right Hon. the Earl of St. Germans, to Lady Anne Cornwallis, grand-daughter of the late Marquis Cornwallis.

• "Morning Post" 6 Sep 1824, page 3:
MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE.
On Thursday last, was married at St. James's Church, Piccadilly, by the Right Hon. and Rev. Lord Bayning, Lord Eliot, only son of the Earl of St. Germans, to the Right Hon. Lady Jemima Cornwallis, third daughter of the late Marquis Cornwallis. The lovely bride, who is the universal favourite of a numerous circle of friends, was given away by the Viscount Sydney, and attended to the Altar by her amiable sisters, the Ladies Lousia, Mary, and Elizabeth Cornwallis, and Lady Jemima Mann, as bridesmaids.

After the ceremony, the happy pair set off in a new travelling chariot and four, for Woburn Abbey, the seat of his Grace the Duke of Bedford.

Amongst the company we noticed ---
The Marchioness Cornwallis, Earl of St. Germans, Lady Caroline Eliot, Lady Susan and Colonel Lygon, Duke of Norfolk, Hon. Sophia and Mary Townshend (Lord Sydney's daughters), Hon. Caroline and Emily Townshend (Lord Bayning's sisters), Miss Sinderby, Mr. Hamilton, and the Rev. Henry Hasted.

In the evening, the Marchioness Cornwallis entertained the Wedding Party with a sumptuous dinner, at the house of her Grace the Duchess Richmond, in Waterloo-place, where her Ladyship is at present residing. We feel assured that the friends of both families will join with us, in wishing that this auspicious union may be productive of the most permanent felicity to the amiable pair, who, from the high character his Lordship bears, appear to have an equal claim to "Heaven's choicest gifts."