Several McLaughlins benefited from the Honourable Frederica's connections with the Rushouts of Northwick Park, in Blockley, Worcestershire. This sketch shows the estate as it was in 1783, with its fine beeches and oaks, herd of fallow deer, and a pool stocked with trout.

The family had owned the estate since 1683. Their fortune was due to the success of John Rushout, a Flemish merchant who traded in London.

The Very Reverend Hubert McLaughlin's benefice, which provided an income of £500 per annum, was in the gift of John Rushout, 2nd Baron Northwick (1770-1859), seen right. He married Frederica's aunt, Lady Caroline Stewart. Lord Northwick was a noted connoisseur who displayed his art collection at Thirlestaine House, Cheltenham. The collection was sold when he died, and the house was bought by Cheltenham College in 1947.

The Reverend Crofton McLaughlin's benefice gave him an annual income of £470 for the care of little more than 300 souls at Burford. The living was in the gift of George Rushout-Bowles, 3rd Baron Northwick (b. 1811), who nominated Crofton's nephew, Hubert W. C. McLaughlin for admission to Cheltenham College. The title of Northwick became extinct at the 3rd Baron's death in 1887.

His sister, the Honourable Georgiana Rushout (1804-91), helped to finance the ambulance run by my great-aunt Louisa McLaughlin during the Franco-Prussian war. Georgiana resided at Burford House, inherited from her father, the Rev. and Hon. George Rushout. The house was noted for its seven acres of gardens on the banks of the River Teme.

Georgiana painted the watercolor below showing the dining room at Thirlestaine House about 1850.

© 2006 G. Harry McLaughlin.
Reproduction or transmission, in whole or in part, for other than personal use is prohibited without advance permission from Dr. G. H. McLaughlin.