After Carry’s coming out in 1850 there appears to be no other instances of Mary Elizabeth Lucy coming into personal contact with Queen Victoria. However, the monarch continued to remain a prominent figure within the Lucy family. In June 1858, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the West Midlands to open the new public garden and museum at Aston Hall in Birmingham. Wanting to commemorate the royal visit and show their gratitude for her service, several aristocratic locals presented the Queen with an ornate oak sideboard, which had been made by local artist J.M. Wilcox. However, despite their efforts to raise funds, Queen Victoria declined their gift. Soon after, Mary Elizabeth purchased the exact sideboard for £1,600 as a gift for Spencer. The magnificent piece was then placed in the Dining Room at Charlecote, where it remains today.
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I so enjoyed learning about the Lucy family and their close interactions with Queen Victoria. Thank you for photographing that lovely sideboard.