Amelia Egerton, Lady Hume

Amelia Egerton, daughter of John Egerton, was born on the 25 November 1751. Her brothers were the John Egerton, 7th Earl of Bridgewater and Francis Egerton, 8th Earl of Bridgewater. She was granted the rank of earl's daughter in 1805 and was subsequently known as "Lady Amelia Hume". She married Sir Abraham Hume in April, 1771.[1] In 1772, Lord Hume inherited Wormleybury, an 18th century private house with a landscape park, from his father, Sir Abraham Hume, 1st Baronet, after his death in 1772. The house is located near Wormley in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire[2]

Lady and Lord Hume were well known among leading eighteenth century botanists and horticulturalists, both in England and abroad. Between 1785 and 1825, they introduced many rare plant species into England. Most of their plants came from India and the Far East. With the help of their gardener, James Mean, the exotic plants were maintained out in the open and in specially designed and constructed glass houses.[3] The glass houses were installed with elaborate stoves to maintain the temperature and humidity of many exotic plants and trees. Lord and Lady Holmes were very successful in establishing and propagating the plants that were entrusted to their care at Wormleybury.[4]

Lady Hume died in London on 8 August 1809.[1] She was survived by her husband, Lord Hume, and her two daughters, watercolor painter, Amelia Long (1772-1837) and Sophia, Countess Brownlow (1787-1814).[5]

The rosa odorata "Hume's Blush Tea-Scented"