Lucia Elizabeth Abell

Betsy Balcombe (later Lucia Elizabeth Abell) was a young girl coming up to her thirteenth birthday when Napoleon was forced upon her family as a temporary guest at the Briars, St Helena. Following his move to Longwood two months later, Betsy maintained and built upon her close friendship with the fallen emperor. Elizabeth Abell published her recollections in 1844 and her book became an instant best seller. Her own life was one of tragedy and distress and in later life she was given a land...See more

Betsy Balcombe (later Lucia Elizabeth Abell) was a young girl coming up to her thirteenth birthday when Napoleon was forced upon her family as a temporary guest at the Briars, St Helena. Following his move to Longwood two months later, Betsy maintained and built upon her close friendship with the fallen emperor. Elizabeth Abell published her recollections in 1844 and her book became an instant best seller. Her own life was one of tragedy and distress and in later life she was given a land grant by Napoleon III in 'in memory of her comfort to his uncle'. See less