Anna Maria Talbot (née Anna Maria Brudenell) (1642 – 20 April 1702) was Countess of Shrewsbury from 1659 to 1668, by virtue of her marriage to Francis Talbot, 11th Earl of Shrewsbury.
She was the eldest daughter of Robert Brudenell, who succeeded to the earldom of Cardigan in 1663. She married Francis Talbot, the Earl of Shrewsbury on 10 January 1659,[1] and they had one son, Charles Talbot, 1st Duke of Shrewsbury.
In 1667, the countess embarked on an affair with George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, and the earl challenged Villiers to a duel. The countess is said to have been present, disguised as a boy, and to have held the duke's horse. Her husband died of the injuries inflicted on him in the duel.
For a time, the Duke of Buckingham kept Anna Maria as his mistress in his family home. Their affair was finally broken off in 1673. The countess went to France and spent some time in a convent. She later returned to Britain and re-married, a George Rodney Brydges.
The former countess continued to be a famous beauty. Her portrait was painted by Sir Peter Lely and is held by the National Portrait Gallery in London. She is mentioned in the diary of Samuel Pepys, and the folk dance, "Anna Maria", is thought to have been named after her.