Autobiography of Miss Cornelia Knight, lady companion to the Princess Charlotte of Wales, Volume 1 (of 2) with extracts from her journals and anecdote books

"Autobiography of Miss Cornelia Knight" is a historical account detailing the life of Cornelia Knight, a lady companion to Princess Charlotte of Wales, written in the 19th century. The work provides insights into the intricacies of royal life, society, and events surrounding the British monarchy in a transformative period of history. The narrative weaves together personal anecdotes, reflections, and historical context, highlighting Knight's experiences in various European courts. The opening of the autobiography introduces Cornelia Knight as a profoundly educated daughter of an esteemed naval officer, sharing her early years spent amidst many notable personalities, including Dr. Samuel Johnson and Sir Joshua Reynolds. It explores her childhood experiences, education, and social interactions that shaped her worldview. As the narrative unfolds, readers learn about Knight’s profound relationships and her eventual role at the royal court, along with her impressions of significant historical figures and events, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of her life and the society of her time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ellis Cornelia Knight was an English gentlewoman, traveller, landscape artist, and writer of novels, verse, journals, and history. She had the acquaintance of many prominent figures in her lifetime, from members of the circle of Samuel Johnson and Sir Joshua Reynolds in her girlhood; Cardinal de Bernis, Sir William and Lady Emma Hamilton, and Lord Horatio Nelson during her Italian sojourn; and members of the British Royal Family during her service to Queen Charlotte and Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales. She corresponded with or met other writers of her time including Frances Burney, Germaine de Staël, Lady Charlotte Bury, and Jane Porter.