Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Jonathan Richardson d. J. 001

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (15 May 1689 – 21 August 1762) was an English aristocrat, writer, and poet. She is chiefly remembered for her letters, particularly her letters from Turkey, as well as for introducing and advocating for smallpox inoculation in Britain.

Early Life

Lady Mary was born Mary Pierrepont in London, the eldest daughter of Evelyn Pierrepont, 1st Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull, and his first wife, Mary Fielding. She was well-educated for a woman of her time, learning Latin, French, and Italian, and she developed a love for literature and writing.

Marriage and Family

In 1712, she married Edward Wortley Montagu, a Whig politician. The couple had two children, Edward Wortley Montagu the younger and Mary. Her marriage was not particularly happy, but it provided her with the social standing and financial means to pursue her interests.

Life in Turkey

In 1716, Edward Wortley Montagu was appointed ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and Lady Mary accompanied him to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). During her time in Turkey, she wrote extensively about her experiences, providing a unique perspective on Ottoman society and culture. Her letters from this period were later published as "The Turkish Embassy Letters."

Smallpox Inoculation

One of Lady Mary's most significant contributions was her advocacy for smallpox inoculation. While in Turkey, she observed the practice of variolation, a method of inoculating against smallpox by using material from smallpox sores. She had her own son inoculated and, upon her return to England, she promoted the practice, which eventually led to widespread acceptance and the development of modern vaccination.

Later Life and Death

After returning to England, Lady Mary continued to write and correspond with many prominent figures of her time. She spent her later years traveling in Europe, living in places such as Italy and France. She died in 1762 in London.

Legacy

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu is remembered for her literary contributions and her pioneering work in promoting smallpox inoculation. Her letters provide valuable insights into 18th-century life and the cultural exchanges between Europe and the Ottoman Empire.

Related Pages

• Smallpox
• Inoculation
• Ottoman Empire
• 18th-century literature
• Edward Wortley Montagu