The Marriage of John, 6th Earl, and Lady Blanche Somerset
John was the third child and second son of Henry Eliot and Emily Labouchere, known to family and friends as Mousie.
Mousie was one of the most eligible bachelors of his day, and the woman he married must share his love of sport, particularly hunting and riding. The elder daughter of the Duke of Beaufort, Lady Blanche Somerset, was the perfect choice, and the wedding ceremony took place at St. Margaret's, Westminster. They were joined in marriage in what was the called "the wedding of the year." This page chronicles Mousie's engagement and marriage.
The following newspaper-article transcriptions appear in chronological order.
— "The Sketch" 13 Mar 1918, page 1:
ENGAGED TO THE EARL OF ST. GERMANS:
LADY BLANCHE SOMERSET.
The engagement of Lady Blanche Somerset, elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, and the Earl of St. Germans, M.C., Dragoons, was announced on March 6. Lady Blanche, who was born in 1897, is a duaghter of the ninth Duke. Lord St. Germans is the sixth Earl, and succeeded to the title in 1911. He was born in 1890, and is a Captain of Dragoons. He has served in the war ever since 1914, and has been wounded, mentioned in despatches, and awarded the Military Cross.
— "The Sketch" 12 Jun 1918, page 30:
THE NEWEST COUNTESS.
When this is printed Lady Blanche Somerset will be Countess of St. Germans. She is a specially interesting bride, because she is a girl of distinctly original ideas, strong individuality, and charming character. This by no means implies that she is a prig or a poseuse. Quite the contrary. Lady Blanche gives one the idea that she forgets herself, and a most refreshing idea it is. So interested is she in whatever she is doing or talking about that egotism disappears. She is a fine rider to hounds, loves the open and all kinds of sport and many games. Lord St. Germans is also a lover of sport, and is a clever amateur actor, and full of life and fun. He is, of course, a good and keen soldier, and has been wounded in this war. He is an only child; and his mother, a petite and dainty lady, is delighted with his marriage — so good luck to the happy pair and welcome to the newest Countess.
— Congratulatory Letter from Lt.-Col. "Peach" Borwick to Lady Blanche Somerset
— "The Times" 12 Jun 1918:
MARRIAGE.
LORD ST. GERMANS AND LADY BLANCHE SOMERSET.
Princess Arthur of Connaught and the Marquess and Marchioness of Carisbrooke were among the large company present yesterday at St. Margaret's, Westminster, for the marriage of the Earl of St. Germans and Lady Blanche Somerset. The bridegroom, who is a captain in the Scots Greys, has served abroad since the beginning of the war, and received the Military Cross in 1916; the bride is the elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort.
The church was decorated with palms, variegated maple, and white flowers; and troopers of the bridegroom's regiment, drawn up inside the church, formed a guard of honour between the ranks of which the bridegroom and his best man, the Earl of Leven and Melville, awaited her.
The wedding dress was of silver tissue over charmeuse, with a train of old Brussels point (given by the bride's mother), lined with silver. The veil, which was lent by the Duchess, was also of fine old lace. No bouquet was carried, nor were any ornaments worn.
In attendance upon the bride were her sister, Lady Diana Somerset, Miss Betty Harford (her cousin), the Hon. Ivy Somerset (cousin of the bride and the bridegroom), Miss Betty Eliot (cousin of the bridegroom), Lady Morvyth Ward, and Lady Avice Sackville, whose frocks were of pale yellow georgette edged with silver. With these were worn small transparent hats of black lace, and bouquets of yellow tiger lilies were carried. The bridegroom's present to the bridesmaids was a red cornelian and jade pendant.
The music during the time the guests were assembling included a Bach prelude and fugue, and the Bridal Chorus from "Lohengrin"; the anthem "Rejoice in the Lord" was sung during the signing of the register.
There was a small reception afterwards (for relatives and intimate friends) at 11 Portman-square, after which Lord and Lady St. Germans left for Walmer Castle, lent by Earl and Countess Beauchamp for the honeymoon.
— "The Sketch" 19 Jun 1918, page 14:
It may seem, perhaps, a little premature to designate any particular ceremony "the" wedding of the season, yet few, if any, which may be celebrated between now and the autumn are likely to be of more interest or importance than that of the Earl of St. Germans and Lady Blanche Somerset, which was celebrated at St. Margaret's, Westminster, last week. The bridegroom has served abroad since the early days of the war, and was awarded the Military Cross in 1916. The bride is the elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort. The church was prettily decorated with palms, maple, and many flowers, and troopers of the bridegroom's regiment formed a guard of honour, between the ranks of which Lady Blanche Somerset, with her father, the Duke of Beaufort, passed to the chancel, where Lord St. Germans and his best man, the Earl of Leven and Melville, were awaiting her. The bride wore a beautiful dress of silver tissue over charmeuse, with a train of old Brussels point, lined with silver, and was attended by quite a pre-war bevy of bridesmaids: Lady Diana Somerset, Miss Betty Harford (her cousin), the Hon. Ivy Somerset (cousin of the bride and the bridegroom), Miss Betty Eliot (cousin of the bridegroom), Lady Morvyth Ward, and Lady Avice Sackville, all of whom wore pale yellow georgette edged with silver. Small transparent hats of black gauze were worn, and each carried a bouquet of yellow tiger-lilies. The bridegroom's presents to the bridesmaids were pendants of red cornelian and jade. A small reception was afterwards held at 11, Portman Square, for relatives and intimate friends, after which Lord and Lady St. Germans left for Walmer Castle, lent for the honeymoon by Earl and Countess Beauchamp. Princess Arthur of Connaught and the Marquess and Marchioness of Carisbrooke were present in the distinguished congregation. The ushers were Baron de Tuyll, Mr. Christian Eliot, the Hon. Sir Arthur Walsh, Viscount Ednam, Major Brinton, and Captain Burton.
— "Western Morning News" 25 Jun 1918, page 2:
PORT ELIOT'S WELCOME.
HOMECOMING OF EARL AND COUNTESS OF ST. GERMANS.
The Earl of St. Germans, M.C., Capt. Royal Scots Greys, brought his bride home to Port Eliot last evening. The village from the railway to Port Eliot was decorated with flowers and flags. At the station, immediately over the carriage which awaited them, was the word "Welcome." Over the porchway of Port Eliot was "Welcome Home." The Earl and Countess (formerly Lady Blanche Somerset, elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort) travelled from London by an express which specially stopped for them at St. Germans. At the station the Volunteers, under Lt. G.C. Tucker, formed a guard of honour. The carriage was decorated with flowers and drawn by estate employees, with Mr. W.J. Prior, the coachman, in full dress, whip and all, on the box. Mr. Prior, an old and respected family servant, fulfilled the same ornamental duty when the late Earl brought his Countess to St. Germans, 34 years ago. In front of the carriage were the tenants and the school children of St. Germans and Tideford carrying flags and flowers. Among those present to receive the Earl and Countess were Lt.-Com. Montague Eliot and Mrs. Eliot, Mrs. C.R. Gott, and Col. and Mrs. Gill. The chairman of the Reception Committee, Mr. W.F. Creber, the oldest tenant on the estate, was unable to be present. Mr. R. Oliver took his place, accompanied by Mr. W. Paige (vice-chairman) and Mr. W.G. Broad, hon. sec. Other members of the committee were Rev. C.R. Gott (vicar), Eng.-Rear-Adml. Haddy, Mrs. Maybard, Mrs. J.E. Goard, Mrs. J. Southern, Messrs. J.E. Matthews, C.G. Tucker, E. Body, J.A. Bersey, G.H. Carpenter, R. Palmby, W.J. Prior, J. Scantlebury, A. Botterell, and T. Mayes.
On the arrival of the train the ringers at the parish church rang a merry peal, and buglers of the Royal Marines sounded the salute, and the guard of honour presented arms. The Earl and Countess took their seats in the carriage, and amid cheering the procession started for Port Eliot. There the Earl and Countess were received by the Dowager Countess, who arrived at Port Eliot on Friday. Having greeted their mother, the Earl and Countess returned to the carriage and received the following address, read by Mr. Oliver:–
My Lord,— On behalf of those who welcome you to your ancestral home at Port Eliot, I have the honour to offer you our heartiest congratulations on your marriage. It is an event for which we have long hoped and prayed, and we trust you will be blessed with a long and happy life. You bear a name long honoured in the annals of our country and beloved among your people! We are delighted to find that your bride comes from a family which also bears an illustrious name. To you, my lady, we offer, "one and all," a truly Cornish welcome, and sincerely hope that you will long live to adorn this home and take an active part in all concerning the welfare of the district. We trust that God will shower on you both His richest blessings and crown your lives with every emblem of His love.
The Earl of St. Germans, received with cheers, and also cheers for his Countess, said:— I wish to thank you all for the kind welcome you have given me and my wife on her arrival for the first time at her new home. (Cheers.) If I had known we should have had a guard of honour I would have come in uniform. I must apologise for not doing so, and I hope under the circumstances you will excuse it. Of course, nowadays we all have rather more sorrows than joys in our lives, and it gives me tremendous pleasure to know that not only have I great joy in bringing my wife home, but that you share that pleasure with me. (Cheers.) Many of you have known me since I was born, and you know how I love this place, and that to me "there is no place like home." (Cheers.) During the last four years that thought has been brought home to me more than anything else. When you are in personal danger your thoughts always fly to mother and home, and I have often had occasion to wonder whether I should ever get home again; and I had a dim hope that I might bring someone else with me. God has been good enough to fulfil that desire, and I am here today with my wife. (Cheers.) I am sure you all know already how much she appreciates your welcome, and I am sure also that you will excuse her if she does not make you a long speech. It is rather shy work for her. (Laughter.) It is all right for me, because I know you all, but you will understand how grateful my wife is for your hearty Cornish welcome. (Cheers.)
The Countess of St. Germans said: Thank you very much indeed for your very kind welcome. I only hope we shall soon all be the best of friends. I am sure we shall.
More cheers followed, both for the Earl and Countess and for the Dowager Countess, the Earl saying, in reply, that it was his mother's birthday, and she considered the homecoming a real birthday treat.
A presentation to the Earl of St. Germans of his portrait by Mr. A. Hacker, R.A., is to be made later when the portrait is finished. On Wednesday the school children and the old people in the alms houses are to be entertained.
— "Western Morning News" 28 Jun 1918, page 2:
In connection with the homecoming to Port Eliot of the Earl and Countess of St. Germans, the residents of the almshouses and children of emplyees on the estate and boys' and girls' schools were entertained at tea in the Eliot Hall on Wednesday by the Dowager Countess of St. Germans. After tea the wedding presents were on view at Port Eliot. During the evening a string band from the R.M.L.I. at Plymouth played many choice selections.
— "Western Morning News" 29 May 1919, page 8:
EARL AND COUNTESS OF ST. GERMANS.
TENANTS' WEDDING GIFT.
A pleasant gathering, eloquent of the happy relations existing between landlord and tenantry, took place at Port Eliot yesterday, when the Earl of St. Germans received as a wedding gift from all living on his estate his portrait in oils, together with a leather-bound illuminated volume, containing a list of the 361 subscribers. His lordship, accompanied by Lady St. Germans, with their baby daughter, Lady Rosemary, also the Dowager Countess of St. Germans, welcomed a representative number of residents on the estate on the Bowling Green — a charming spot in the park of Port Eliot — and here the presentation ceremony, which was of the most informal character, took place. The portrait, which shows the Earl in uniform as a captain in the Scots Greys, wearing the Military Cross and other decorations, is by Mr. A Hacker, R.A., and when it was unveiled, at the moment of presentation, it was acknowledged by all as an admirable likeness. The accompanying album was inscribed as follows:–
The tenantry, employees, residents, and others connected with the Port Eliot Estate, whose names are inscribed herein, desire the acceptance by the Earl of St. Germans of his portrait in oils, and with it their sincere congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on his marriage, 11th Jaune, 1918, and trust that the cordial relations which have hitherto existed between the Port Eliot family and people of the estate may long continue.
In the absence through illness of the chairman of the committee (Mr. W.F. Creber), and Mr. W. Paige (vice-chairman) owing to an appointment with a Government official, the proceedings were opened in a happy speech by Mr. R. Oliver, who, addressing his lordship, said: In your beautiful mansion yonder there are portraits of many celebrated in English history, men of whom you and your family and every Englishman is proud. I often think how proud you must be of your ancestors, as you look at that gallery of portraits. To you has fallen the heritage of a good name and a beautiful estate. (Applause.) We had the pleasure of giving you a welcome on your wedding, but the present we hoped to give you was not ready then. We hope the portrait will be hung in that gallery, where future generations will look back and think of one whose name is now so prominent before us. You, too, my lord, have taken your place in national history more than many men in past years in helping your country, and of this we are proud; and we are thankful you are here sound in limb and in health and able to take your place as our landlord. We are also pleased you are taking an interest in things concerning the welfare of this district. We rejoice you are a member of the County Council, and thus able to take an interest in county matters, and we hope we shall see a great deal of you as landlord, also of the Countess and baby — (applause) — and that as years roll by we shall feel that the name you bear is still honoured, beloved, and respected by all. (Applause.) Mr. Oliver added that there were among those present the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations of tenants of the estate.
Lord St. Germans, in reply, said it was needless for him to say how he thanked them for that magnificent picture. He did not care whether a man subscribed twopence or five pounds, his thanks were equally distributed among them. People, he was glad to be able to say, were not forced into that present; they gave of their own free will. The request went out for subscriptions at a very critical time, and none of them had much money to give away. That made him appreciate all the more the manner in which they had contributed. "I regard the picture," said his lordship, "as a lasting token of friendship and goodwill between you and me and my family. People who have seen it say it is extraordinarily like me. It is going to hang in the dining-room of Port Eliot, where all the owners of this house have their pictures." (Applause.)
Cheers were given for the Earl and Countess and the baby and the Dowager-Countess of St. Germans. Tea was served in a marquee. Selections were played by the village band, conducted by Mr. J.H. Goard, who came in for a special word of praise from the Earl for the success with which he had revived the band after it had been dormant for years. The St. Germans village choral class, conducted by the Rev. C.R. Gott, sang. The secretarial duties were carried out by Mr. W.G. Broad. Among others present were Mr. and Mrs. A. Trousdell and Mr. C.I.L. Allix (agent of the estate) and the Hon. Mrs. Allix.
* This beautiful portrait now belongs to Mousie's grandson, David Herbert, 19th Baron Herbert. It is a large picture and rather difficult to photograph, but thanks to Lord and Lady Herbert, here is a photograph of it as it looks in 2019!
