#OTD 10th May 1794: Edward Knight II and a Tantalising Mystery

Jane Austen's nephew and my third great-grandfather was born 232 years ago today. He inherited Chawton House in 1852 as the eldest son, following centuries of primogeniture tradition.

But when he died in 1879? He bypassed that tradition entirely—leaving Chawton to Montagu Knight, his eldest surviving son by his second wife, Adela Portal, rather than to the sons of his first marriage.

Was this Mrs John Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility playing out in real life? Did Adela persuade Edward that her son should inherit?

The sons of his first marriage were apparently "dispossessed." I'd love to know why, but doubt I ever will. 💛