Anne Fairfax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anne, Lady Fairfax
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Born | 1617 or 1618 |
Died | 1665 |
Spouse(s) | Sir Thomas Fairfax |
Anne, Lady Fairfax (born Anne Vere, 1617/1618 – 1665) was an important English noblewoman. She was married to Thomas Fairfax, who was a famous general. He led the New Model Army during the English Civil War. Anne often went with her husband during battles. She was even captured once, but only for a short time. People say she spoke out loudly during the trial of King Charles I.
Contents
Anne's Life Story
Anne Vere was born in 1617 or 1618 in the Netherlands. Her parents were Mary and Horace Vere, 1st Baron Vere of Tilbury. Her father was a commander in big wars like the Eighty Years' War. In 1637, Anne married Thomas Fairfax. He became a very important leader in the English Civil War.
Anne's Role in the War
Thomas Fairfax led the New Model Army from 1645 to 1650. Anne was a strong and influential woman. She often traveled with her husband to battles. Once, she was captured near Bradford. But she was released quickly, just a few days later. She was then safely returned to her husband's army.
The King's Trial
Her husband, Thomas Fairfax, was asked to be a judge at the trial of King Charles I. However, he believed the King was going to be executed. Because of this, he chose not to be a part of the trial.
Anne, however, did attend the King's trial in January 1649. When the court called her husband's name, Anne reportedly spoke up. She said that her husband was too smart to be there. Later, when the court said they were acting for "all the good people of England," Anne shouted, "No, nor the hundredth part of them!" Because she spoke out, Anne was asked to leave the court.
Family Life and Later Years
In February 1649, Thomas Fairfax became a Member of Parliament. In January 1649, a man named John Geree asked Anne and her mother to help the King. He hoped they could stop the King's execution.
Anne's daughter, Mary, married a royalist named George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. This happened in 1657 when he came back to England.
Later, Anne and her husband had to help their son-in-law. The Duke of Buckingham was arrested and put in the Tower of London in 1659. Anne and her husband had to arrange a large payment to get him released.
Lady Anne Fairfax passed away in Nun Appleton Hall in 1665. Her husband died there six years later.