The “Pope” of Holland House
John Whishaw to Thomas Smith, 14 November 1814
Nov. 14, 1814.
I have just received an account from Lord and Lady Holland of their
safe arrival at Florence on the 16th. They seem to have experienced no difficulty
or danger on their journey. But Italy, nevertheless, is in a great ferment;
especially the kingdom of Naples, where they are apprehensive that the Sicilian
Bourbons will be again forced on the throne. Of all the Italian States, Tuscany
alone seems to be well satisfied with the restoration of the old order of things.
Elizabeth Fox, Lady Holland [née Vassall] (1771 c.-1845)
In 1797 married Henry Richard Fox, Lord Holland, following her divorce from Sir Godfrey
Webster; as mistress of Holland House she became a pillar of Whig society.
Henry Richard Fox, third baron Holland (1773-1840)
Whig politician and literary patron; Holland House was for many years the meeting place
for reform-minded politicians and writers. He also published translations from the Spanish
and Italian;
Memoirs of the Whig Party was published in 1852.