My American Heiress Dissertation: Broken Engagement caused by Oscar Wilde's lover

Grab a cup of tea as I stream live digging through the archives located here at our Manor House of the 9th Countess of Sandwich, Albert Sturges, an American like me who came over during The Gilded Age. Lucky for me, Alberta SAVED everything! Each time I research a new box of her letters, diaries and photos, I will stream live as I write my 25,000 word dissertation.
In the process of my research, I am raising funds ( please refer to my specific goal here: www.buymeacoff... ) to restore and furnish the muniment (archive) room at our Historic House, Mapperton (www.mapperton.com), purchase digitising solutions, fireproof storage and supplies for rehousing archives and if I'm successful in achieving these goals, allow my research and her letters to made public.
www.buymeacoff...
For 1 cup of coffee, you will receive an email THANK YOU from me.
For 3-5 cups of coffee ($15 - $25), you will receive an email THANK YOU from me and a digital 'I helped make it happen' certificate once we reach the 'wishlist' goals.
For 10 cups of coffee ($50), you will receive an email THANK YOU from me, a digital 'I helped make it happen' certificate once we reach the 'wishlist' goals, and a digital copy sent via email of Alberta's letter referencing her visit to Mapperton in 1905.
For 20 cups of coffee ($100), you will receive an email THANK YOU from me, a digital 'I helped make it happen' certificate, a digital copy sent via email of Alberta's letter referencing her visit to Mapperton in 1905 and an American Viscountess notebook and pen sent via Royal Mail.
I am currently researching for my Masters dissertation whereby the topic is Alberta Sturges, 9th Countess of Sandwich, who was an American just like me, from Chicago just like me, had 4 children just like me AND and this is the BIG ONE - was a devoted yogi, just like me! That fact in itself was extraordinary during this period as most wives of nobility were interested in social gatherings, Alberta was not. The question now remains, did she REALLY want to marry or did she have her sights set on becoming a nun!
However, Alberta did marry George Montagu (later 9th Earl of Sandwich) on 25th July 1905 during the 'Gilded Age'. But why? Why didn't she follow her dreams of life of service to others?
I want to dig deeper and find out why.
Alberta was an American Heiress who was born into a wealthy family, the Sturges family. Her grandfather Solomon Sturges had the foresight and follow-through to build what at the time was the world’s largest grain elevators (Towers A and B) and to parlay money made from this into banking, railroads, and other industries, creating vast fortunes in the process.
Alberta died in 1951 but throughout her life, she archived every letter she received and also asked for letters that she wrote to various family members to be returned to her after they died, in particular, her mother Betty MacLeod, here aunt Josephine MacLeod and her brother Hollister Sturges. She has left me a wonderful gift (and puzzle) with many of the pieces waiting to be put back together.
#americanheiress #countessofsandwich #albertasturges

[@longwaytotipperary]

Absolutely love this! So great to see Julie and Luke! Yes, please have Luke back - your conversations are wonderful!

[@stephenihrig9371]

Q

[@rhondamartin3575]

I truly loved the letter! It's always difficult to lose your sons in the military during war or at anytime 😢! So very sad!

[@AvaT42]

Oh Julie! I was held spellbound listening to you read about the four boys!😢 I want to know more about our four heroes, to see their pictures, what regiments they were in, everything. There was such a power of the written word in those days, now, not so much. I especially loved what you read, ‘England in our generation….and so forth. I loved that statement.❤️

[@kathyevans2968]

This is the most fascinating story being told with the upmost integrity and respect to Alberta’s memory. I sometimes feel that it’s as though Alberta herself has been looking over the family, bringing Julie to Luke, to not only make him happy, but also knowing Julie would be magnificent in every way possible, respectfully bringing her life’s story to light in this remarkable way with their unique connections! Julie’s enthusiasm matches Luke’s and his level of knowledge is just as amazing!

[@julianneheindorf5757]

Greetings from Nuuk, Greenland. 🇬🇱 (In the Arctic, between Canada and Iceland, and yes, there are people living here😁) Love your videos, and your love, respect and enthusiasm for your British family and their amazing history. I hope the entire Montagu family appreciates what a bonus you are to the family.

[@elainemartini6031]

Your energy is endless! Hello from Toronto

[@AmericanViscountess]

Yay! Thank you!

[@jilldewitt3651]

When I'm cleaning or playing on my phone, I go to your channel and hit "play all". Interesting no matter how many times through. And the ads play in full! ❤

[@AmericanViscountess]

Wow, thank you!

[@onthebay66]

You are a book of knowledge for arm chair followers. Thank you from Canada.

[@britzel71]

This is absolutely incredible. I'm actually rather speechless at how much I've learned.

[@pammiedoodle8693]

The more I learn, the more I want to know! Fascinating family history and I don’t think anyone could do it more justice than Julie! Looking forward to uncovering more in the near future😊 Blessings to Luke and Julie🙏❤️

[@leahmarieezra877]

Love this! So sweet that Julie wanted to surprise her special guest, and he ends up surprising her twice. 🥰

[@rolo4945]

A movie should be done, or a documentary on Alberta’s life ❤

[@jannabors1961]

MOST DEFINITELY!! PLEASE😘

[@maryannguess7115]

Julie, Get that PHD in history. You are amazing..🎉❤😊 From gulf coast Of 🇺🇸. Enjoy ur evening..

[@jaimejewell9686]

Awe!!!!!I am so bummed!!! I forgot live stream!😢😢 I get so excited for these! Mom brain!

[@trishr2081]

Wow this was extraordinary! Thank you so much. Hugs from Houston ❤

[@ordiekelleher2641]

Good morning all!😊

[@tinaparks9342]

Missed the live but always enjoy! Tuning in from Nasvhille, TN

[@kellyburgess671]

another very interesting show...TY! julia and luke

[@shirleyharold1698]

Love your vlogs Julie…especially when you travel. I love your Italian villa..I’m watching from Maryland

[@americaguillen9583]

Great to see you! Am in New York. Greetings.

[@sandra1918]

As always, wonderful and interesting content! Thank you for sharing Alberta's story. 💕

[@arlysdavis3694]

Thank you both. Everyone has a story and thank you for sharing Alberta’s.

[@rolo4945]

This is so exciting, love history, it’s incredibly rich in stories when our lives were lived at a slower pace ❤️

[@janemorin8374]

So I’ve been watching for a little while now, first time commenting. I’m from Ontario Canada and love history.. You and your husband are both wonderful people and we can tell how much you both care about the history of your family and home. Thank you for all your hard work and amazing videos! 😊

[@AmericanViscountess]

Welcome aboard! and thank you!

[@margaretdevery6547]

Kia ora, from New Zealand. I've subscribed to everything I can find on the history lessons you two give, renovations (its brilliant to learn how things were done back in the day, & why particular materials were used) & learning just what it means to be in your (sometimes unenviable) shoes. As we own a small renovation company, I'm constantly bothering my husband with snippets of (I consider) vital renovation advice from you 😊 Gradually catching up being a newcomer to your posts, I'm going to miss watching each day, but you impart so much information that I'll probably revisit time & again. I wish I could be a patron, but maybe in the future. Very best wishes for the continued success of your many endeavours. By the way Luke, I do remember that plummy voice on the British Airways ad, aired even Downunder!

[@Bergantin23]

Missed your live video. Greetings from Barcelona. Love what you are doing. You two are saving the fabulous history of your family. Just saw the video with the little Beavers, so darling.

[@mariamitchell3879]

Hey Julie and team! For the Alberta vids i think it would help to change the thumbnail for each new one - I keep thinking I’ve already seen this vid. I manage youtube accounts so thought i’d leave a note but ignore if not appreciated - all love - obsessed w the renovation vids especially and wish they came out saturday mornings US time but i just try to catch them on Sunday when I have downtime again. They are a joy to watch especially the piccolo casa! Much love from Milwaukee!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Hi and thank you it is a Great idea but we quite like the thumbnail staying the same but changing the text on the thumbnail so ppl know it is different if that makes sense? What we might do is change the thumbnail once the letters start coming in transcribed but then keep that same thumbnail but change the text each time. Hope that makes sense. We might start to do some on Sundays moving forward in future. xx julie

[@mariamitchell3879]

@@AmericanViscountess Makes sense, Julie! Keep up the great work. You are so talented and genuine. My father is from Hertfordshire and is too infirm to make the trip across the pond anymore. Watching these vids has been such a gift to him to be able to virtually travel back and still tour Manor Houses. You bring so much joy just by being you. XO!

[@caropapa]

As usual i am late tuning into chat, hi everyone i am Carolyn [Carol ] from Christchurch New Zealand.

[@carollewellen5413]

What an exciting project you have undertaken. Good luck on the archiving! I live on Whidbey Island in Washington State.

[@emanuelaboiardi9520]

History made alive and moving through piles of awsome letters.. a real goldmine you found out!Thanks for offering it to us.Greetings from Italy.

[@renniejohnson9032]

Exciting news ! Having spent a number of years transcribing family historical documents while doing genealogy; this project will be interesting to follow.

[@AvaT42]

I have done that too with documents from my geneology search. Julie doing all this from Alberta is so interesting. And i am jealous she has so much at hand to research from, but happy for her.

[@jilldewitt3651]

I hope said book is there!

[@rhondamartin3575]

Enjoyed this video so very much!!!!! The window will be beautiful ❤️! Best wishes on restoring the Muniment room! A lot of setbacks but remember to breathe and take one day at a time! It will be worth it when you see it finished! Great job!!!!

[@itsa_beautiful_day]

Woo-hoo, can't wait to dive in!!!😊

[@maryfrump7937]

Hi Julie! I love this! Since I found out who my ancestors were, I am deep diving into several of the histories of the amazing women in my line.

[@LSTEdD1]

Viewing from Connecticut

[@lifelemonsitaly]

This was so fun and interesting to watch. I loved the letter so much that you read from Alberta! Such lovely writing! All the young men lost to war has always made my heart ache....and I always think about the mamas that lost them.

[@mindakahn9964]

Now I’m going to look at what channel is streaming that movie. Barbara Stanwyck what could be better? Always great to see Luke.

[@rhondamartin3575]

Currently watching from Vegas! Lucy will be an amazing help to you! In the US, personal writings are put into Diaries or Journals and things that have to be done on a daily basis are put into a Daytimer or calendar. Nowadays, things are just put into our phone calendar, which is nice. Amazing how things change 😀💖!

[@janetdoten4489]

After you're live, Oceanside CA. That is so neat she had the foresight to do this. Strength for uncovering the treasures and love the sharing of the history of Mapperton.

[@stephencynthiascherry6340]

I live very close to Leggett Road in a town in upstate, NY. I’m sure I’ve heard you mention Alberta having spent time at a certain yoga retreat center (I believe?) at this location. I’m so curious to know more! How did this road get its name? What was the family connection? Will you visit this site, Julie? Oh, so many questions! Your research is so exciting, and Luke’s insight and memories are especially interesting, as well!

[@crystalcordero3832]

Hi Julie! Awesome updates. 😊

[@sylviaboudreau5967]

Good morning Julie. Your little house in Italy is stunning. The job you have done is outstanding. I live in Nova Scotia a province in Canada. I always follow many of the DIY Chateaus.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!

[@rhondamartin3575]

Sorry I missed your Live video! Friends invited us to their place in AZ and I've also been dealing with the flu and bad sore throat! I will watch soon when I can! Hugs!

[@nunsense1947]

I just love your shows....in the UK......in Italy......your energy seems to be endless, and your enthusiasm for what you do is so much fun. Thank you.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ordiekelleher2641]

I was organizing my geniology lately. Greats rock.

[@susanadams-wauro6716]

Oh Julie, this dissertation is a deep dive into the layers of life that one experiences as they proceed from birth to death. So many twists, turns, insights, love, loss....I could feel the ire between the 8th Earl and George, the joy in the discussion of lives lived and lost prematurely as in the lads lost in war. What a wonderful exploration. Warmest regards from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦

[@CeyaWeya]

Best episode ever!

[@Rbmc2611]

Loving everything you are doing. I am in music city USA Nashville,Tn.

[@SeldimSeen1]

So it appears that the 8th Earl of Sandwich was a pretty good judge in character.

[@reallivingreels4543]

Yes, tear jerker! Omg. So many lives lost to wars.😢.

[@janetdoten4489]

Oh boy! This is better than the modern day ways of communication. The writings you can use your imagination of what is said. He said, she said. Reminds me of a family sitting around the radio listening to current events, etc. So much detail for uncovering the past. Love it.

[@alisonhacker6897]

I'm from England 🇬🇧 in a small city of carlisle. I have found this very good. Name is Alison xxx

[@itsa_beautiful_day]

What a beautiful letter.

[@turningtolight8863]

Hello from Seattle.

[@angelamoreno5914]

I missed the live, but watch it no matter what. Have I missed on how her beloved nephew Billy died? I'm searching but don't seem to find any update on that. Can someone let me know please? Loving everything this woman posts, her enthusiasm and excitement is contagiously lovely!! xxx

[@AmericanViscountess]

Hi! We have a video coming up about that very soon!

[@bernadettecrawford3656]

Australia watching hi x

[@marymerrill1612]

From Quartzsite, Arizona.

[@gastronomique]

Hey Julie, I wonder if, throughout this process that you could jot down maybe the top 5 questions you would ask Alberta if you could have met her - it would be fascinating. Cheers John xx

[@americaguillen9583]

You are the perfect example of an American well bred and intelligent woman in 2023.

[@Oliver-Can]

İt is very sad to that ı missed the live but this video was incredible really ı found myself while watching this crying at the other second laughing , amazed ect. You two are amazing ı dearly love you☺️😊 and watching your channels ,please have Luke back that is very great to see luke . I bloody wish ı could donate for your fundraise but ı really unfourtunetly can not ☹️

[@patriciabaughn4749]

Watching from saratoga n.y. hi all

[@bonniesummerfield1687]

Hi Julie from Phoenix. ARI,ONA

[@bonniesummerfield1687]

Arizona

[@nanabutner]

I know what the Marquis of Queensberry rules are. They apply to boxing in a fair manner.

[@CherylAnderson0]

I don’t think I missed an episode…. Did you ever uncover what happened to her baby nephew that died while in her care?

[@AmericanViscountess]

coming VERY soon! and yes we did. :-)

[@itsa_beautiful_day]

Fabulous, may I ask what time on Wednesday?

[@blairwarren5418]

Love personal history of peoples past lives. So sad to think of people that lost love ones in WW l and WW ll. My four great Uncles were in WWII. Which l knew one very well when l was a teenager and young adult. He was our tax collector for over 30 years in our county.

[@MOGirl59J]

Missouri

[@Innperlenburg]

Julie, what happened to Alberta's brother, Allerton? We only hear about Hollister. I think he must have died, but I can't find out when.

[@AmericanViscountess]

I didn't know she had a brother named Allerton? Tell me more.

[@Innperlenburg]

@@AmericanViscountess Sending you an e-mail.

[@itsa_beautiful_day]

Luke is the best Special Guest!

[@bonniesummerfield1687]

Arizona

[@Kris-fq9bi]

It's so funny to read old fashioned sass. On a serious note your husband's family is so lucky that he married such a "can-do" American, who has such an interest in preserving these details of their history.

[@marybarratt2649]

I didn’t realise that Alfred Lord Douglas married. Bit of a surprise. Bet Oscar was turning in his grave. What an interesting video. Sorry I missed the live.

[@britzel71]

Same. I'm curious why he married to be honest.

[@antoinettesteymann7098]

Could A.J.B. have been Lord Arthur James Balfour, First Earl of Balfour?? Just guessing.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Will research

[@gardenforfun]

Happy spring from Michigan. 😂

[@susanfoster4303]

Did we ever find out about the baby that died?

[@AmericanViscountess]

Yes! We will be filming an entire video about this - coming very soon!

[@hatjodelka]

Just a quick clarification. Wemyss is pronounced weems (same deal as Knollys or Pepys). British surnames are a minefield with no rhyme or reason. Perhaps you could have a pronunciation pitfalls episode!

[@bernadettecrawford3656]

Interesting

[@itsa_beautiful_day]

PrestonSturges!!😮

[@WendyWise-gt7yu]

Jeffrey's donation was for the eagles he said. Not the muniment room.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Yes my mistake. And we spoke to him today to clarify that

[@ordiekelleher2641]

So sad war.

[@lauriehinderks9154]

Rochester Minnesota

[@lauriehinderks9154]

The Mayo family is from England so I will keep an eye out.

[@LaughingDogsBookNook]

So happy you got the scanner! Can you share with us the name of this scanner? I really enjoy your videos.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Sure! CZUR ET24

[@ordiekelleher2641]

Western Colorado

[@itsa_beautiful_day]

Scanner!!!

[@carolynpredmore5153]

It would be interesting to know what your father in law’s reaction to the dressing down that George got

[@01Lenda]

❤

[@mollyjonesreacts]

Of course! Firstly, nobody likes surprises. More importantly: He was the head of the family & his approval should have been sought before entering into the engagement. That was the protocol! To merely show up and blatantly announce that the engagement was in place was improper & warranted this reaction.

[@brigitteryan2863]

Planners

[@karendunbar7562]

Journal

[@romiehutson5230]

Planner