03/09/2026
This charming little purse has been in our collection since Mary Elizabeth Milles , daughter of MP Richard Milles, married into the Watson family in 1785. The accompanying description has been taken from what is now delicate fragments of paper found with the item.
'This was made, I think, in '06 or 7 and given to Mary Elizabeth Milles who was married Nov 30th 1785 at St Georges Hanover Square to the Hon. Lewis Tho Watson. Eldest son of Lewis Monson Watson Baron Sondes'
Mary Elizabeth - Baroness Sondes 1795
Likely an heirloom given to Mary Elizabeth on her wedding day, the purse was already around 80 years old when she received it. Although, very faded there are patches of exquisite colour that remain, especially on the reverse. Eighteenth-century brides would have worn their 'Sunday best' - wedding dresses were not popularised until the nineteenth century - so the beautiful coloured threads used would have complimented Mary Elizabeth's outfit.
The fine stitching and what looks to be traces of metallic thread, combined with floral motifs are typical of early eighteen-century design. Rather than the reticule, or 'pocket' form, to be attached to garments, this purse takes on a more familiar form - suggesting that it was never intended to carry coin, but perhaps was used instead to transport a pocket book - or even a bible.
It seems intriguing that Mary Elizabeth decided to give provenance to her purse in 1795... or is it? March 1795 was when Lewis and Mary Elizabeth became Baron and Baroness Sondes... something to be commemorated at every opportunity!
