Susan Hamilton

Lady Susan Harriet Catherine Opdebeck (; 9 June 181428 November 1889) was a Scottish aristocrat. The daughter of Alexander Hamilton, 10th Duke of Hamilton, and Susan Euphemia Beckford, she at once was a star of high society. An angelic child of great beauty and style, she attracted controversy after a high-profile divorce suit from the future Duke of Newcastle. Marriage She married Henry Pelham-Clinton, heir to the 4th Duke of Newcastle, on 27 November 1832 at Hamilton Palace, Lanarkshire. She was afterwards known as the Countess of Lincoln, the Earl of Lincoln being the courtesy title held by the eldest son of the Duke of Newcastle. They had five children: Henry Pelham-Clinton, 6th Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne (25 January 1834 – 22 February 1879), who married Henrietta Adela Hope (11 April 1843 – 8 May 1913) on 11 February 1861 and had five children. Lord Edward William Pelham-Clinton (11 August 1836 – 9 July 1907), who married Matilda Jane Cradock-Hartopp (died 23 October 1892) on 22 August 1865. Lady Susan Charlotte Catherine Pelham-Clinton (7 April 1839 – 6 September 1875), who married Lord Adolphus Vane-Tempest (2 July 1825 – 11 June 1864) on 23 April 1860. She was a mistress of Edward VII of the United Kingdom when he was Prince of Wales. Lord Arthur Pelham-Clinton (23 June 1840 – 18 June 1870) who died, possibly by suicide, after being charged in the Boulton and Park case. Lord Albert Sidney Pelham-Clinton (22 December 1845 – 1 March 1884), who married Mrs Frances Evelyn Stotherd on 17 November 1870; they were divorced in 1877. Divorce and later life Lady Lincoln then lost interest in her husband and started a disastrous affair with Horatio Walpole. They eloped to escape her possessive and domineering husband when Susan was unwell. Despite the scandal her husband wanted her to return and William Gladstone volunteered to take letters to her asking for her to return. Gladstone found her, but gave up the task when he realised that she was pregnant. She gave birth to an illegitimate son, also named Horatio. It was a short-lived affair ending sadly in embittered circumstances. Divorce proceedings were commenced by an outraged Duke, citing the co-respondent Walpole in a writ.