Angela Burdett-Coutts, 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts, English art collector and philanthropist (d. 1906)

Born Angela Georgina Burdett on 21 April 1814, Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts, the 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts, left an indelible mark on Victorian England as an extraordinary philanthropist and social reformer. Her life, spanning nearly a century until her passing on 30 December 1906, was characterized by immense wealth, strategic giving, and a profound commitment to improving the lives of others. Indeed, her impact was so significant that King Edward VII himself is famously reported to have declared her, "after my mother, the most remarkable woman in the kingdom."

The Legacy of a Benefactress

Early Life and Remarkable Inheritance

Angela's lineage placed her at a fascinating intersection of political reform and burgeoning banking power. She was the daughter of Sir Francis Burdett, the 5th Baronet, a prominent radical politician and social reformer known for his advocacy for parliamentary reform and individual liberties. Her mother was Sophia Coutts, daughter of the eminent banker Thomas Coutts, who had founded the prestigious Coutts & Co. bank in 1700. This familial background provided Angela with an upbringing that was both intellectually stimulating and financially secure.

A pivotal moment in her life, however, arrived in 1837. Following the death of her step-grandmother, Harriot Beauclerk, the Duchess of St Albans (who had been Thomas Coutts's second wife), Angela became the sole heiress to her maternal grandfather's colossal fortune. This inheritance amounted to approximately £1.8 million, an staggering sum at the time, equivalent to an astounding £170,000,000 in 2020. This windfall instantly transformed her into one of the wealthiest women in England, granting her unprecedented financial independence and the means to pursue her philanthropic inclinations on a grand scale. As a condition of this vast inheritance, and by royal licence, Angela joined her father's surname, Burdett, with her grandfather's, Coutts, henceforth being known as Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts, ensuring the continuation of the esteemed Coutts name in conjunction with its wealth.

A Life Dedicated to Philanthropy

With her unparalleled resources, Angela Burdett-Coutts embarked on a remarkable career of philanthropy, distinguished not merely by the amount she gave but by the thoughtful, strategic, and often pioneering nature of her interventions. Her efforts spanned an astonishing array of social causes, reflecting a deep concern for the welfare of all strata of society. She focused on sustainable solutions, often working directly with communities and employing innovative approaches to tackle endemic issues of poverty, lack of education, and poor public health.

In the realm of education, she was a fervent supporter of the Ragged Schools Union, providing vital learning opportunities for the poorest children, and established numerous schools, including those for teacher training. Her commitment extended to public health and housing, where she championed projects such as the construction of model dwellings for the poor, most notably Columbia Square in Bethnal Green, and funded sanitation initiatives and clean water fountains across London. She also extended considerable aid during the Irish Famine in the 1840s and supported agricultural development in Turkey.

Her generosity further reached into religion and welfare, funding the construction of churches, including St. Stephen's in Westminster, and supporting various religious missions. She was a significant benefactor to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), a testament to her compassion for all living creatures. Internationally, her influence was felt through her support for Florence Nightingale's efforts during the Crimean War and her backing of emigration schemes to Canada and Australia, offering new opportunities to the struggling poor. Her philanthropic vision also touched upon the arts and sciences, endowing institutions and promoting scientific expeditions.

Recognition and Later Life

Angela Burdett-Coutts's tireless dedication did not go unnoticed. Her immense contributions to public service were formally recognized in 1871 when Queen Victoria bestowed upon her the peerage, creating her 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts. This was a rare and significant honor for a woman in an era when peerages were almost exclusively granted to men for military or political service, underscoring the extraordinary esteem in which she was held by the nation.

In 1881, at the age of 67, she married her secretary, William Lehmann Ashmead Bartlett, who was 29 years her junior. This marriage caused a brief stir in society due to the age gap, and she lost some of her inheritance rights as per her grandfather's will (which stipulated that her fortune would revert to her sister if she married a foreigner – Bartlett was American by birth, though he became a British citizen). However, her immense personal wealth and public standing remained largely undiminished. She continued her philanthropic work well into old age, remaining an influential figure until her death in 1906. Baroness Burdett-Coutts was honored with burial in Westminster Abbey, a rare privilege reserved for individuals of profound national significance, cementing her place as one of Britain's most remarkable women.

FAQs

What made Angela Burdett-Coutts so wealthy?
Angela Burdett-Coutts inherited an immense fortune of approximately £1.8 million in 1837 from her maternal grandfather, Thomas Coutts, the founder of Coutts & Co. bank. This made her one of the wealthiest women in England at the time.
What was her most significant contribution to society?
Her most significant contribution was her wide-ranging and strategic philanthropy. She dedicated her life and vast wealth to improving public health, housing, education, and welfare for the poor, both in Britain and abroad, making a lasting impact on numerous social causes.
How did she get the name Burdett-Coutts?
Upon inheriting her grandfather Thomas Coutts's fortune, a condition of the will was that she incorporate the Coutts surname to ensure its continuation with the legacy. By royal licence, she joined her father's surname, Burdett, with her grandfather's, becoming Burdett-Coutts.
Did she receive any special recognition for her philanthropy?
Yes, she was elevated to the peerage by Queen Victoria in 1871, becoming the 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts. This was a highly unusual honor for a woman at the time, reflecting the immense national gratitude for her public service.
Why was she considered "the most remarkable woman" by Edward VII?
King Edward VII's famous quote underscored her unparalleled influence and the profound impact of her philanthropic endeavors. Her strategic giving, dedication to social reform, and sustained efforts to alleviate suffering across many sectors earned her deep respect from both the public and royalty.
Where is she buried?
Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts, 1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts, is buried in Westminster Abbey, an honor reserved for individuals of exceptional national importance.