The “Pope” of Holland House
John Whishaw to Thomas Smith, 24 June 1816
June 24, 1816.
Binda was fortunate enough to see Mrs. Siddons on Saturday in Lady Macbeth, and was much surprised and delighted.
He went with the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, who continue to be very kind to
him, having invited him for the summer to Woburn and Devonshire.
Giuseppe Binda (1859 fl.)
Originally of Lucca, he was an Italian refugee who from 1815 was employed as secretary
and librarian at Holland House; he emigrated to America and was the U.S.A. consul at
Leghorn.
Georgiana Russell, duchess of Bedford [née Gordon] (1781-1853)
The daughter of Alexander Gordon, fourth duke of Gordon; in 1803, after first being
engaged to his brother, she became the second wife of John Russell, sixth duke of Bedford
and became a prominent Whig hostess. Sydney Smith described her as “full of amusement
and sense.”
Sarah Siddons [née Kemble] (1755-1831)
English tragic actress, sister of John Philip Kemble, famous roles as Desdemona, Lady
Macbeth, and Ophelia. She retired from the stage in 1812.
