Lady Rachel Matthews is an 11th generation Countess. The Matthews family was granted the title and rights to Abbingdon, Surrey by King Edward VI in 1547. The Matthews Estates is comprised of three separate manor houses, two of which are maintained by the National Trust, and the third is home to Lady Matthews. Rachel Matthews was born in Surrey's Parkside hospital to Lady Abigail Matthews and the world famous archaeologist Lord Richard Matthews, the Earl of Abbingdon. During her youth, she proved to be quite the adventurous little girl, always attempting to follow her father on his exhibitions to far off countries but never being quite able to sneak away in his belongings without getting caught.