Laurence family

The Laurence family were English nobility. They were distantly descended from the English royal house of the Plantagenets.

In the early 19th century, the head of the family held title as the Earl of Allendale, and was addressed as Lord Allendale. His wife, the Countess of Allendale, was addressed as Lady Allendale. Their estate was Wollaton Hall in Nottinghamshire.

Their eldest son and heir, George Laurence, was married. It is not known whether he held a courtesy title such as Viscount. By late 1805 or early 1806, he and his wife Elizabeth had three sons and one daughter (the youngest child). In late 1807 or early 1808, he assumed the duties of his father, who was incapacitated by illness.

Lord and Lady Allendale's second son entered the Church. Their third son, William Laurence, was intended for this profession as well, but ran away to sea and joined the Royal Navy, reaching the rank of Captain before unexpectedly harnessing Temeraire and transferring to the Aerial Corps.