Anne Bacon facts for kids
Anne, Lady Bacon (born Anne Cooke; 1527 or 1528 – 27 August 1610) was an important English lady and a brilliant scholar. She is famous for translating a Latin book called Apologie of the Anglican Church (1564) by John Jewel into English. This book was very important for English religious writings. Anne Bacon was also the mother of the famous philosopher, Francis Bacon.
Anne Cooke's Early Life
Anne Bacon was born around 1528 at Gidea Hall in Essex, England. She was one of five daughters of Anthony Cooke. Her father was a teacher to King Henry VIII's only son, Edward.
Because her father was an educator, he made sure all his children, both sons and daughters, received an excellent education. They studied many languages and classic subjects. Anne learned Latin, Italian, French, Greek, and possibly even Hebrew. Her sister, Lady Elizabeth Hoby, was also known for her language skills and translations. Their family was important in society because their father worked closely with the royal family.
Anne's Important Work
Anne was a very religious woman. Her main writings were about religion. She wrote many letters to her sons, Anthony Bacon and Sir Francis Bacon. These letters showed how much she cared about their minds, bodies, and spirits. She also wrote to important church leaders and discussed religious ideas with them.
When she was 22, Anne translated a book by Bernardino Ochino from Italian into English. It was called Ochines Sermons. A very important work was her translation of Bishop John Jewel's 1564 book, Apology for the Church of England. This book helped explain the differences between Anglicanism (the Church of England) and Roman Catholicism. It was very important for supporting Queen Elizabeth I's religious policies.
Marriage and Family
Anne Cooke married Sir Nicholas Bacon in February 1553. Nicholas Bacon was the Keeper of the Great Seal for Queen Elizabeth. They had two sons: Anthony and Francis Bacon. Francis later became a famous philosopher and helped start the scientific revolution.
Anne Bacon was a leading Lady-in-Waiting to Elizabeth I. She had strong Puritan religious beliefs. Puritans wanted to remove all "Popery" (things linked to the Pope and Roman Catholicism) from the Church of England.
Anne wrote many letters showing her strong Protestant faith. She often wrote to her sons, Anthony and Francis. She wanted them to follow her wishes and be good people. She also gave them advice, even medical advice like using leeches for gout. In her letters, she often quoted famous Greek and Latin writers.
Anne Bacon died around August 27, 1610, at about 82 years old. She was buried in St Michael's Church in St Albans. Her son, Sir Francis Bacon, is also buried there, as he wanted to be near his mother.
Works
- Sermons of Barnardine Ochyne, (to the number of 25.) concerning the predestination and election of god: very expedient to the setting forth of his glory among his creatures.
- An apologie or answere in defence of the Churche of Englande, with a briefe and plaine declaration of the true religion professed and used in the same.
