Elizabeth Smith-Stanley, Countess of Derby
Elizabeth Smith-Stanley, Countess of Derby (née Hamilton; 26 January 1753 – 14 March 1797) was an English peeress. As the eligible eldest daughter of the 6th Duke of Hamilton, she married the 12th Earl of Derby in 1774, giving birth to three children. Lady Derby was popular among society and she organised a ladies cricket match. She was a leader of fashion alongside the Duchess of Devonshire.
Elizabeth Hamilton | |
|---|---|
| Countess of Derby | |
The Countess of Derby; George Romney, c. 1776–78 | |
| Born | 26 January 1753 |
| Died | 14 March 1797 (aged 44) |
| Spouse(s) | Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby |
| Issue | Edward Smith-Stanley, 13th Earl of Derby Lady Charlotte Hornby Lady Elizabeth Henrietta Cole |
| Father | James Hamilton, 6th Duke of Hamilton |
| Mother | Elizabeth Gunning, 1st Baroness Hamilton of Hameldon |
Five years after the marriage, Lady Derby embarked in a very public affair with the 3rd Duke of Dorset. She eventually separated from her husband, which caused a scandal and led to her effective exile from society, especially after it was learned that she would not be marrying the Duke. Lady Derby moved abroad, only returning once her husband attracted embarrassing press attention for his very public relationship with the actress Elizabeth Farren, whom he married soon after Lady Derby's death in 1797.