Fox, Elizabeth Vassall (1770–1845)

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Fox, Elizabeth Vassall (1770–1845)

Lady Holland. Name variations: Elizabeth Webster. Born Elizabeth Vassall in Jamaica in 1770; died in 1845; married Sir Godfrey Webster (divorced); married Henry Richard Vassall Fox, 3rd baron Holland, 1797; children: Henry Edward Fox, 4th and last Lord Holland (who married Mary Fox ).

Born in Jamaica in 1770, Elizabeth Fox presided over the Whig circle at Holland House as Lady Holland. She was an adroit, lively, but slightly haughty host, censured by Lord Byron in his English Bards and Scotch Reviewers. Sympathetic to Napoleon, Fox sent a message to him during his exile at Elba and some books for him during his exile at St. Helena. In return, Napoleon bequeathed her his gold snuff-box given to him by Pope Pius VI.

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