Lady Elizabeth Dacre Howard was the daughter of George and Rosalind Howard, the owners of Lanercost Priory in Cumbria, England. She was born in March 1883 and died on 17th July 1883, aged only four months. Her infant child, whose sex and name are unknown, also died with her. What caused their deaths and how are they remembered today?
The Cause of Death
The cause of death of Lady Elizabeth and her infant child is not known for certain. It could have been due to complications from the delivery, such as bleeding or infection. It could also have been due to pre-existing health problems that were aggravated by pregnancy and childbirth.
According to Doms2Cents, some historians have speculated that Lady Elizabeth may have suffered from a rare genetic disorder called Harlequin ichthyosis, which causes severe skin abnormalities and often leads to death in infancy. This condition is inherited from both parents, who may not show any symptoms themselves. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.
Another possibility is that Lady Elizabeth and her child were victims of infanticide, the deliberate killing of a newborn or infant. This was a common practice in Victorian England, especially among poor and unmarried women who could not afford to raise a child or faced social stigma. However, this seems unlikely in the case of Lady Elizabeth, who belonged to a wealthy and noble family.
The Tomb
Lady Elizabeth and her infant child were buried at Lanercost Priory, a former Augustinian monastery that dates back to the 12th century. The priory was owned by the Howard family since 1740 and is now a historical site managed by English Heritage.
In the Lady Chapel of Lanercost Priory is the tomb of Lady Elizabeth and her infant child. The tomb consists of a red sandstone chest by Philip Webb and a terracotta effigy by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm. The effigy depicts Lady Elizabeth as a recumbent baby, fully robed and bearing a rose in her right hand. Her head rests on an embroidered tasselled cushion. She is wrapped in a blanket.
The tomb is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian sculpture and one of the most touching memorials in England. It reflects the grief and love of Lady Elizabeth’s parents, who commissioned the tomb as a tribute to their lost daughter and grandchild.
The Legacy
Lady Elizabeth and her infant child may have lived for a short time, but they left a lasting impression on those who knew them and those who visit their tomb. Their tragic story is a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of art to express emotion.
Lady Elizabeth was also related to some famous historical figures. Her father, George Howard, was the 9th Earl of Carlisle and a Liberal politician. Her mother, Rosalind Howard, was a prominent social reformer and suffragist. Her paternal grandfather, Charles Howard, was the 10th Duke of Norfolk and the premier duke of England. Her maternal grandfather, George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, was the 2nd Duke of Sutherland and one of the richest men in Britain.
Lady Elizabeth’s tomb is still visited by many people today, who admire its beauty and feel its sorrow. It is a testament to the love that transcends death and time.
