Owen , Lady , Caroline Amelia , 1801-1873 , nee Clift , wife of Sir Richard Owen

Lady Caroline Amelia Owen was born in 1801. She was the daughter of William Clift, Conservator of the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Richard Owen began work at the Museum as Assistant Conservator in 1827. He became friends with Clift's son, William Home Clift, and also became engaged to Caroline Clift in 1827. Mrs Clift refused to give her permission for the two to marry until Owen was earning an adequate income. They were married on Owen's birthday in 1835. Their only child, William, was born in 1837 but committed suicide at the age of 48. Caroline Owen died in 1873.