Anne St John facts for kids
Anne St John was an English noblewoman and a lady who served at the royal court. She was born to John St John, 2nd Baron St John of Bletso and Katherine Dormer. Her mother was the daughter of William Dormer from a place called Wing, Buckinghamshire.
Early Life and Marriage
Anne St John married William Howard, 3rd Baron Howard of Effingham in 1597. After her marriage, she was known as "Lady Effingham." Her husband, William, was the son of Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham and Catherine Carey.
A New Family Member
In January 1603, Anne and William welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth Howard. Her birth was a bit of a surprise, according to a letter writer named John Chamberlain. Elizabeth later married Lord Mordaunt in 1621.
Life at Court
In January 1605, Anne, Lady Effingham, took part in a special court performance. This was a type of entertainment called a masque. Masques were plays with music, dancing, and elaborate costumes, often performed for royalty. Anne played a character named Psychrote in The Masque of Blackness. She likely stepped in for her mother-in-law, Margaret Howard, Countess of Nottingham, who was not feeling well at the time.
Later Years
Anne's husband, William, passed away in 1615. After his death, Anne had control over some properties, including Donnington Castle. However, a wealthy goldsmith and financier named Peter Vanlore also claimed ownership of parts of it.
Family Connections
On January 4, 1616, a relative named Lady Anne Clifford visited Anne, Lady Effingham. This visit took place at the home of Elizabeth Darcy, Lady Lumley. A few years later, in 1619, there was talk that Lady Effingham might marry again. The person mentioned was Lionel Cranfield, 1st Earl of Middlesex.
Anne, Lady Effingham, died in June 1638. She was buried in a famous place, Westminster Abbey, in London.
