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Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan, later Lady Stirling-Maxwell)

(1808-1877), Novelist and poet; Law reform campaigner

Early Victorian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 11 portraits
In 1827 Caroline married George Norton. She established herself as a society hostess, becoming friends with such figures as Benjamin Disraeli and the future King Leopold I. She also began writing; her first novel, The Sorrows of Rosalie (1829), was well received. Her marriage broke down in 1835. Her husband removed her children from her and accused her publicly of having an affair with Lord Melbourne, the Prime Minister, almost bringing down the government. Caroline continued to write as a means of generating an income; her best work was considered to be Lost and Saved (1863). She married Sir William Stirling-Maxwell in 1877, four months before her death.

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'Work in Progress',  - NPG 7145

'Work in Progress'

acrylic on paper collaged on panels, 2021-2022
On display in Room 33 on Floor 0 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 7145

Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan, later Lady Stirling-Maxwell), by John & Charles Watkins, published by  Mason & Co (Robert Hindry Mason) - NPG x197139

Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan, later Lady Stirling-Maxwell)

by John & Charles Watkins, published by Mason & Co (Robert Hindry Mason)
albumen carte-de-visite, 1863
NPG x197139

Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan, later Lady Stirling-Maxwell), by William Overend Geller, published by  Ackermann & Co, after  John Hayter - NPG D39324

Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan, later Lady Stirling-Maxwell)

by William Overend Geller, published by Ackermann & Co, after John Hayter
mezzotint, published 1 February 1835
NPG D39324

Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan, later Lady Stirling-Maxwell), by William Overend Geller, published by  Ackermann & Co, after  John Hayter - NPG D42147

Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan, later Lady Stirling-Maxwell)

by William Overend Geller, published by Ackermann & Co, after John Hayter
mezzotint, published 1 February 1835
NPG D42147

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