An English noblewoman on the Tiger’s trail

On September 3, 1758, a girl named Henrietta Herbert was born to a titled family in Shropshire, England. Henrietta would later become an accomplished mineral collector and botanist, documenting her travels through India between 1798 and 1801. This journey included a 1,000-mile expedition across southern India with her family, accompanied by elephants, bullocks, camels, and a retinue of servants.

Henrietta's connection to India began in 1762 when he returned from India as the 1st Baron Clive of Plassey, named his estate Plassey, and later purchased Henrietta's childhood home, Oakly Park, in 1771. Henrietta and Edward Clive married in 1784, with Henrietta becoming the Earl of Powis. In 1798, Edward was appointed Governor of Madras, and Henrietta embarked on her journey through India the following year.

Over seven months, she explored various regions of India, collecting rocks, minerals, and making extensive notes on the landscape, wildlife, art, and culture. One of the most notable aspects of her journey was her fascination with Tipu Sultan, who was killed in 1799. Henrietta meticulously documented her experiences and encountered Tipu Sultan's octagonal Tiger Throne, which was gifted to her by Anna Tonelli. This throne is now part of the Clive Museum collection at Powis Castle.