Her father was a local squire and landowner of estates in County Durham whose family were recusants and distantly related to the Smythe baronets, making Maria Fitzherbert (the mistress of George IV) her kinswoman.
Her father was a local squire who lived at Herrington House, East Herrington, near Sunderland and landowner of estates in County Durham. His family were recusants and distantly related to the Smythe baronets, making Maria Fitzherbert (the mistress of George IV) her kinswoman.