Mary Frances Labouchere

Mary Frances Labouchere (1849-1874), the youngest daughter of Mr. John Peter Labouchere (1799-1863) and Mrs. Mary Louisa (nee Du Pre) Labouchere (1809-1875) born in the Broome Hall, was the wife of the eldest son of Jonathan Rashleigh Esq. (1820-1905), of Menabilly - Jonathan Rashleigh, jun, Esq. (1845-1872). In his will, her father, John Peter Labouchere left each of his daughter, Mary Frances included, 8,000 GBP (the equivalent of 1,000,000 GBP in purchasing power as of today). On 8 November 1870, she married Jonathan Rashleigh jun, Esq. at the Christ Church, St. Pancras, London, England. The wedding reception int he form of dejeuner was held in Portland Place, the London residence of the Labouchere. 'There was a large gathering of relations…' […] ‘Among those present there were as bridesmaids - Miss Alice Rashleigh, Miss Mary Rashleigh, Miss Thornton, Miss Du Pre, Miss Stuart, and others; also Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Rashleigh, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rashleigh, Mrs. Labouchere, Mr. E.H. Rashleigh, Col. and Mrs. Stuart…’ […] ‘Amongst the relatives unable to be present were Mr. and Hon. Mrs Rashleigh of Menabilly, Sir Colman and Lady Rashleigh, Lady Taunton, Mr. Thomas baring, &c, most of whom, however, sent handsome presents, which were numerous and beautiful. The happy pair took their departure fro Surrey about three o’clock.' (Royal Cornwall Gazette, 12 November, 1870) On 6 July 1872 at 3, Cumberland-terraces, Regent's park, London, Mary Frances gave birth to a son - John Cosmo Stuart Rashleigh (1872-1961), the only issue and the future heir of Menabilly. Half a year later, on 8 December 1872, her husband, Jonathan Rashleigh jun. Esq. (1845-1872), died and was buried in the family vault at Tywardreath, Cornwall. ‘The remains of this lamented young gentleman were brought from London to Par on Thursday evening, and rested for the night in the chapel at Menabilly. On Friday morning they were conveyed to Tywardreath church int he following order: sixty of the tenantry on horseback, carriage with the undertaker, the hearse containing the body, enclosed in an oak coffin, on which was a plate inscribed - Jonathan Rasheligh Born 26 May 1845 Married 8th November 1870 Died 8th December 1872.’ (Royal Cornwall Gazette 21 December 1872)

The late Jonathan Rasheligh jun., Eqs. left effects under 3,000 GBP (the equivalent of 350,000 GBP in today's purchasing power). His will was ‘proved at the Principal Registry by Mary Frances Rashleigh of 3 Cumberland-terrace, widow, the relict, the sole executrix.’  (England and Wales Government Probate 1873)

After her husband's death, Mary Frances (Labouchere) Rashleigh did not live much longer and died on 17th February 1874, while on the Isle of Wight: ‘The remains of the late Mrs. Jonathan Rasheligh, widow of the late Mr. Jonathan Rashleigh, jun., of Menabilly, were interred on Wednesday morning in the church yard of Tywardreath. the deceased lady, who only survived her husband little more than a year, was the daughter of Mr. John Labouchere, of Oakdean, Surrey, and niece of the Lord Taunton.' ( Western Morning News, 27 February 1874) 

The late Mary Frances (Labouchere) Rashleigh left effects under 4,000 GBP (the equivalent of 460,000 GBP in today's purchasing power). Her will was ‘proved at the Principal Registry by William Stuart the younger of Tempsford Hall Sandy in the County of Bedford Esquare a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Bedfordshire Militia and Reginald Thistlethwayte Cocks of 43 Charing Cross in the County of Middlesex Esquire the Executors.’ (England and Wales Government Probate 1874) 

The orphaned son of Mary Frances (Labouchere) Rashleigh and Jonathan Rashleigh and the heir to Jonathan Rashleigh (1820-1905) of Menabilly, John Cosmo Stuart Rashleigh (1872-1961) went to live with his great uncle, William Stuart (1825-1893), at first, in London at at 36 Hill Street, St. George Hanover Square, and later, at The Tempsford Hall, Church End, Tempsford, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.