Frederick Ponsonby, 3rd Earl of Bessborough
(1758-1844), British peer; Lord of the Admiralty 1782-83Mid-Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 4 portraits
Ponsonby was known as Viscount Duncannon until his father's death. In 1780, Duncannon married Lady Henrietta Spencer, sister of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. He entered Parliament as an MP later the same year, and remained in the Commons until he succeeded to his father's title in 1793. His political career was undistinguished, and he is mostly remembered as the husband of one of the finest English letter writers.
by William Lane
black crayon with red and white heightening on tinted paper, circa 1813
NPG 2076
The Trial of Queen Caroline 1820
by Sir George Hayter
oil on canvas, 1820-1823
NPG 999
Frederick Ponsonby, 3rd Earl of Bessborough
by Joseph Grozer, published by William Austin, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 31 March 1786 (1785)
NPG D15273
Mezzotint reproductions by Samuel William Reynolds after six portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds
by Samuel William Reynolds, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, 1838
NPG D1237
Related People
- Henrietta Frances ('Harriet') Ponsonby (née Spencer), Countess of Bessborough (wife)
- John William Ponsonby, 4th Earl of Bessborough (son)
- John Ponsonby, 5th Earl of Bessborough (grandson)
- Frederick George Brabazon Ponsonby, 6th Earl of Bessborough (grandson)
- William Ponsonby, 1st Baron de Mauley (son)
- Hon. Frances Anna Georgiana Kinnaird (née Ponsonby) (granddaughter)
- Lady Caroline Lamb (daughter)
- Sir Frederic Cavendish Ponsonby (son)
- Frederick John Ponsonby (grandson)
- Hon. Gerald Henry Brabazon Ponsonby (grandson)
- Sir Henry Frederick Ponsonby (grandson)
- Sir Spencer Cecil Brabazon Ponsonby-Fane (né Ponsonby) (grandson)
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