Susanna, Countess of Eglintoune Survival of the wittiest

The house (formerly Fortune’s Tavern) was on the west side of Old Stamp Office Close. It was demolished in the 19th Century.

About 1710. Lord Eglintoune had been married twice before. His first wife had borne him many children but had died (in Childbirth?). His second wife bore him a daughter but then fell ill and died some years later. In the meantime his sons from his first marriage had died. Lord Eglintoune was now 49.

Susanna Kennedy, aged 20, had recently arrived in Edinburgh. She was 6ft tall and very attractive. She also had a suitor and preparations were underway to marry. When Lord Eglintoune approached her father the suitor was brushed aside and Susanna betrothed.

She bore him seven daughters. Lord Eglintoune asked he if she would consider a divorce. She said she would if he gave her back all she had when she married him. He, thinking she meant money, agreed. She then demanded back her youth, beauty and virginity. He gave up the divorce idea. The next year hey had a son so her position was secure.

Susanna was accomplished and well read and sought to extend these pursuits with the company she kept. She was a bluestocking and gave encouragement to the young literati of her time. She lived in style and educated her children. She and her attractive daughters caused many heads to turn when the ‘drove’ around town in their sedan chairs.

She was left a (rich) widow at 40. She retired to Auchens near Irvine. Johnson and Boswell visited her there during their journey round Scotland many years later. Johnson spoke highly of her. However Johnson, who went to many bluestocking meetings, is quoted as saying that “A man is in general better please when he has a good dinner upon his table than when his wife speaks Greek”.

Source - Traditions of Edinburgh by Robert Chambers