Her mother was Eleanor (born Wyatt) and her father was John Watts and he was the secretary to the victualling office of Southampton.

[1] Her husband said, "I never did undertake any business of moment without consultation with my wife, and I can truly say it has much promoted my fortune.

Her portrait was exhibited in the Royal Academy and its composition is thought to reflect the contribution she had made towards her husband's success.

This allowed others to pay a shilling a month and in return they were able to enjoy free medical assistance and advice.

1824 saw her start a local group for women to support the Church Missionary Society.

[4] His children included: Their son, Ely Duodecimus Wigram (1801–69),[5] was a lt. colonel in the Coldstream Guards and compiled a scrapbook of the Crimean War, which contains a rare photograph of Mary Seacole.