Anne Stanley, Countess of Ancram facts for kids

Anne Stanley, Countess of Ancram (died 1657), was an important English lady who lived during the 17th century. She was known for her connections to powerful families and her life during a time of great change in England.

Her Early Life and Family

Anne Stanley was the daughter of William Stanley, 6th Earl of Derby, and Elizabeth de Vere, Countess of Derby. Her family was very well-known. Through her grandmother, she was a direct descendant of King Henry VII of England. This meant she had royal blood in her family tree!

Marriages and Life

Anne first married Sir Henry Portman in 1615. He was a Member of Parliament. Sadly, Sir Henry passed away in 1621, and they did not have any children.

Later that same year, Prince Charles (who later became King Charles I) suggested that Anne marry Sir Robert Kerr. Even though Sir Robert wasn't very rich, Prince Charles said his important job at court made him a good match. Anne married Robert Kerr, and he later became the Earl of Ancram in 1633.

Difficult Times During the Civil War

Life became very challenging for Anne and her family during the English Civil War. Her husband, Robert Kerr, had to live away from England in Amsterdam. The government at the time, called the Commonwealth, stopped his payments.

Because of these money troubles, Lady Ancram had to ask the Parliament for help. She asked for money in 1653 and again in 1654 to support her six children. She received a small amount each week to help her family. Robert Kerr died in Amsterdam in 1654.

Anne Stanley passed away in February 1657. She was buried in the famous Westminster Abbey in London.

Her Children

Anne had several children with Robert Kerr. They included:

• Vere Kerr (born around 1622, died 1708), who married Henry Wilkinson.
• Charles Kerr, 2nd Earl of Ancram (1624-1690). He became the next Earl.
• Elizabeth Kerr, who married Colonel Nathaniel Rich.
• Henrietta Maria Kerr (died 1647), who was also buried at Westminster Abbey.
• Stanley Kerr.

It's good to know that Anne (Stanley) Kerr, Countess of Ancram, is sometimes confused with another lady named Anne Kerr, Countess of Lothian, who lived at the same time.

A painting believed to be of Anne Stanley, showing her in a black dress with red sleeves, was made in 1638. It is thought to have been painted by Gerrit van Honthorst.