Alice Barnham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alice Barnham
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Engraving of Alice Barnham
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| Born | 14 May 1592 |
| Died | 1650 (aged 57–58)
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| Resting place | Old Parish Church of Eyworth, Bedfordshire |
| Other names | Alice Barneham |
| Title | The Viscountess St Albans Lady Underhill |
| Spouse(s) |
John Underhill
(m. 1626) |
| Parent(s) | Benedict Barnham Dorothy Smith |
Alice Barnham, Viscountess St Albans (born May 14, 1592 – died 1650) was an important woman in English history. She was the wife of Francis Bacon, a famous English thinker and statesman.
Contents
Who Was Alice Barnham?
Her Family Background
Alice Barnham was born on May 14, 1592. Her father was Benedict Barnham. He was a successful merchant in London. He also served as a city leader and a member of Parliament. Her mother was Dorothy Smith. Dorothy's father was a wealthy silk merchant. He supplied silks to Queen Elizabeth.
Alice was one of four daughters. Her sisters were Elizabeth, Dorothy, and Bridget. Her mother, Dorothy, remarried several times. Her second husband was Sir John Pakington. He was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth.
Her First Marriage
Alice grew up in the home of Sir John Pakington. His family lived in a grand house in London. This house was often visited by important people. Even King James I of England stayed there once.
Francis Bacon first mentioned Alice in 1603. She was only eleven years old then. He described her as "an Alderman's daughter, an handsome maiden to my liking." They became engaged three years later. Alice and Francis Bacon married on May 10, 1606. She was not yet fourteen. The wedding took place in a chapel north of London. Alice brought a good income from her father's estate.
Life with Francis Bacon
Alice and Francis Bacon's early marriage had some challenges. Alice's mother, Dorothy, often had disagreements with Sir John Pakington. Dorothy would ask Francis Bacon for help. He tried to stay out of their arguments.
Alice and her mother Dorothy enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. They liked beautiful things and had expensive tastes. Francis Bacon was very wealthy at first. He spent a lot of money on jewels and decorations for Alice. In 1617, Francis Bacon became a temporary leader of England. At that time, Alice was considered the "first lady in the land." This meant she was very important.
Alice and Francis Bacon did not have any children.
Challenges and Changes
In 1621, Francis Bacon faced serious charges. He was fined a lot of money. He also lost his position in Parliament. Lady Bacon tried to get some of his money back. She asked the Marquis of Buckingham for help. But it did not work. They lost their London home in 1622.
Reports suggested that their marriage became difficult. This might have been because money was not as plentiful. Alice was used to a lot of wealth. When money became scarce, she reportedly complained about it.
Her Second Marriage
Francis Bacon passed away on April 9, 1626. Just a few days later, Alice remarried. She married John Underhill on April 20, 1626. He was a courtier, meaning he worked for the royal court. Soon after, King Charles I of England made him a knight. Alice and Sir John Underhill lived in Old Gorhambury House.
Alice, who still liked to be called Viscountess St Albans, was often involved in legal cases. These lawsuits were about property. She tried to get what was left of Francis Bacon's estate. She also filed lawsuits for property her father had owned. In 1631, she and her husband filed a lawsuit against Nicholas Bacon. They claimed he tricked Sir John Underhill. Underhill had poor eyesight and hearing. He signed a paper without knowing what it said.
By 1639, Alice and Sir John Underhill began to live separately. Alice passed away in 1650. She was buried in the old Parish Church of Eyworth, Bedfordshire. She was laid to rest near her mother and sister.
See Also
