This early work by Charles Lewis Meryon was originally published in 1845 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. 'Memoirs of the Lady Hester Stanhope Volume I.' is the first of a three volume work on her life and travels. Lady Hester Lucy Stanhope was born on 12th March 1776, in Chevening, Kent, England. Her father was Charles Stanhope, 3rd Earl Stanhope, and her mother, Lady Hester Pitt. Stanhope spent her youth in Chevening but moved in 1800 to live with her grandma, Countess of Chatham, at Burton Pynsent. Three years later she became chief to the household of her uncle, William Pitt the Younger, during his time as British Prime Minister. Stanhope gained a reputation as an excellent hostess both for her beauty and her conversation skills.