Maria Elisabetta Ferrero della Marmora, “Babet”
Descrizione
Maria Elisabetta Ferrero della Marmora, or simply “Babet,” was born in 1790. In 1811 she married Maurizio Massel, Marquess di Caresana, and together they had three children. Maria Elisabetta belonged to one of the most important aristocratic families of the age, staunch loyalists of the Savoy House that produced many leading military officers, including the founder of the elite Bersaglieri Corps.
A history buff, Babet set about gathering and recording the biographies of the illustrious members of her family. Her passionate archival work saved the precious memories of her family house and key primary sources of the history of the Italian Risorgimento. It is also thanks to her that the records of the Massel di Caresana family were put in order and kept for future generations.
Maria Elisabetta systematically saw to the management of the estate, with the help of trusted agents. A learned woman, she took a great interest in geology and botany, and engaged with some of the greatest horticulturists of the age, using their services to renew the castle’s park.
For a long time, Maria Elisabetta managed the family estate under power of attorney from her son Federico, the third Marquess of Caresana. However, in 1840 he took legal action against his mother, challenging her administration of the estate. The lengthy and distressing law suit came to a close in 1844 with Maria Elisabetta
stripped of all power over the Massel’s assets, compelling her to leave Miradolo Castle.
From 1845 until her death in 1871, she lived in Palazzo Ferrero della Marmora in Turin.
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