ARISTOCRATIC WOMEN
The Social, Political and Cultural History of Rich and Powerful Women

Part 2: The Correspondence and Diaries of Charlotte Georgiana, Lady Bedingfeld (formerly Jerningham), c.1779-1833, together with the letters of Anna Seward, c.1791-1804, and Lady Stafford, c.1774-1837, from Birmingham University Library

Seven diaries and 1,764 letters describe the life of Charlotte, Lady Bedingfeld, the female head of a prominent Catholic family from 1779 to 1833.  They reveal her hopes and fears, and show her power and her helplessness. 

There is much on reading, education, religion, trips to the theatre, dinner parties, balls and social outings, a soirée hosted by Madame de Staël, weddings, and European travels. There are accounts of life in London and Bath, and revealing comments concerning class and social aspirations.

This second part is completed by two smaller collections:  22 letters of Anna Seward, the 'Swan of Lichfield' and a friend of the Ladies of Llangollen; and 154 letters of Lady Stafford.