Duchess of Sutherland

Did you know Clewer once had a resident whose life could be a TV drama?

Meet Mary Caroline Mitchell, later the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland! Born in 1848, she married into the Sutherland family after a scandalous affair with the Duke, following the mysterious death of her first husband. Their marriage shocked Victorian society and even got them ostracised by Queen Victoria!

After the Duke’s death whilst living at The Willows on Maidenhead Road (then Surlyhall Road), Mary Caroline fought a fierce legal battle with his family, spent time in jail for burning documents, and eventually secured a huge settlement—including the building of the famous Carbisdale Castle (with a clock tower missing a side out of spite!). She remarried, survived a notorious jewel theft on the Orient Express, and inspired characters in classic literature and film.

Her story is full of drama, intrigue, and resilience—a true legend of her time.

Read more about The Duchess Blair.