Elizabeth Wriothesley, Countess of Southampton

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Elizabeth Wriothesley, (née Vernon) Countess of Southampton [1] [2] (January 11, 1572 – November 23, 1655) was the chief maid-in-waiting of Queen Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was born at Hodnet, Shropshire, England to John Vernon of Hodnet and Elizabeth Devereux. By her mother, Elizabeth was the great-granddaughter of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, and also of Walter Devereux, 1st Viscount Hereford, and a great-great-granddaughter of Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset. By her father, Elizabeth was the descendant of John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, William de Ros, 7th Baron de Ros, and the Barons Touchet.

[edit] Marriage and children

On August 30, 1597 Elizabeth married Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton. The marriage occurred after Elizabeth discovered she was pregnant. After discovering this, the Queen had both Elizabeth and her husband locked in Fleet Prison and, after their release, were never again received into her favour.

Elizabeth and Henry had several children, including:

  1. Penélope Wriothesley (November 18, 1598 – July 16, 1667) who married William Spencer, 2nd Baron Spencer.
  2. Thomas Wriothesley (March 10, 1607 – May 16, 1667) who became the 4th Earl of Southampton and married Rachel De Massue.
  3. Anne Wriothesley who married Robert Wallop of Farley Wallop.

[edit] References