Background
Her father ensured that she received a full education, which was unusual for women of the period.
Her father ensured that she received a full education, which was unusual for women of the period.
Elizabeth did not want a quiet domestic life and based herself at her family home, Ham House near Richmond, London, which she spent much time and money redeveloping. In 1653 she joined the secret Royalist organisation, the Sealed Knot. She was in correspondence with exiled supporters of Charles II and even visited Europe to see the king himself.
Upon her father"s death in 1655 she inherited his titles, becoming suo jure Countess of Dysart and Lady Huntingtower.
In 1660, when Charles II resumed the throne, he rewarded Elizabeth with an annual pension of £800. The pair were known for their influence, wealth, and extravagance.
Upon John"s death in 1682 Elizabeth entered into a legal dispute with her brother-in-law over her late husband"s debts and funeral expenses. The Duchess of Lauderdale died, at the age of 72, on 5 June 1698 at Ham House.
Lauderdale is the subject of the novel Royalist Rebel, by Anita Seymour published by Claymore Books in 2013.
She is famous for the political influence she held, which was unusual for women of the period, and for her support for Charles II during his exile, as a member of the secret organisation known as the Sealed Knot. He was a member of the notorious Cabal Ministry of Charles II and amongst his titles was that of Baron Petersham. She is buried with other members of the Dysart family in a vault under the chancel of Petersham Parish Church.