Anne Vavasour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anne Vavasour
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Portrait of Anne Vavasour, attributed to John de Critz, c.1605
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| Born | c. 1560 Tadcaster, Copmanthorpe, Yorkshire, England
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| Died | c. 1650 |
| Occupation | Maid of Honour |
| Known for | Known for her connections to important men like Edward de Vere and Sir Henry Lee. She may have also written a famous poem. |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | Edward Vere Thomas Lee |
| Parent(s) | Henry Vavasour Margaret Knyvet |
Anne Vavasour (born around 1560 – died around 1650) was a Maid of Honour (a lady-in-waiting) to Queen Elizabeth I of England. She was part of the important Vavasour family.
Anne had a close relationship with Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. They had a son named Edward. Because of this, both Anne and the Earl were sent to the Tower of London by the Queen. Later, Anne had another son with Sir Henry Lee of Ditchley.
Anne later married a sea captain named John Finch. She then married John Richardson while her first husband was still alive. This led to legal problems, and she had to pay a large fine.
She is also known for a poem called Anne Vavasour's Echo. Many people think her friend, the Earl of Oxford, wrote it, but some believe Anne herself might have written it.
Contents
Anne's Family Background
Anne was born around 1560. Her father was Henry Vavasour from Tadcaster, Yorkshire. Her mother was Margaret Knyvet.
Anne's uncle was Sir Thomas Knyvet, 1st Baron Knyvet. This family connection likely helped her get a position at Queen Elizabeth's court. She became one of the Queen's Ladies of the Bedchamber.
Her younger sister, Frances, also worked at court as a Maid of Honour. Her younger brother, Thomas, also had a career at court. He was involved in some of Anne's public events.
Anne's Time at Court
Soon after Anne arrived at court, she became close with Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. He was married to Anne Cecil, whose father was William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley. Lord Burghley was the Queen's most trusted advisor. Oxford had been separated from his wife since 1576.
On March 23, 1581, Anne gave birth to a son with Oxford, named Edward. Queen Elizabeth was not pleased about this. She ordered both Anne and Oxford to be held in the Tower of London. Oxford was released a few months later. He was not allowed at court until June 1583. He later made up with his wife, Anne Cecil, in January 1582.
The relationship between Anne and Oxford also led to conflicts in London. There were disagreements between Oxford and Anne's uncle, Thomas Knyvet.
Anne raised her son, Edward Vere. Oxford did not take part in his daily upbringing. However, he did provide some land and money for Anne. Later, Anne's son became a close associate of Oxford's cousin, Sir Francis Vere.
Later Life and Marriages
Before 1590, Anne married a sea captain named John Finch. Around this time, she formed a relationship with Sir Henry Lee. He was in charge of the Royal Armouries. They had a son together named Thomas.
Anne and Sir Henry Lee lived together at his home in Ditchley. The Queen seemed to approve of their relationship. The couple even hosted the Queen at Ditchley House in September 1592.
In 1605, Sir Henry Lee provided for John Finch. In his will, Sir Henry left Anne a yearly income and some property. He also asked that they be buried together in a tomb he built in Quarrendon, Buckinghamshire. He wrote a special message for the tomb, calling her "a fair and worthy Dame."
Anne of Denmark, the Queen, visited Sir Henry at a lodge near Ditchley in 1608. She also spoke with Anne Vavasour. A few days later, the Queen sent Anne a valuable jewel. This made Sir Henry very happy to see Anne so honored. Anne and Sir Henry stayed together until his death in 1611.
Anne lived longer than Sir Henry. After his death, she had some legal disagreements with Sir Henry's son about the property he had left her.
By 1618, Anne married a second time to John Richardson. At this point, John Finch, her first husband, reappeared. Anne faced legal issues on August 8, 1618, regarding her marriages. On February 1, 1622, she was ordered to pay a fine of £2000. However, she did not have to perform a public apology.
Anne Vavasour died around 1650, at about 90 years old. She was buried at Quarrendon, near Aylesbury. Sir Henry's monument shows him in armor with a statue of Anne kneeling at his feet.
Anne's Poems
Two poems, Though I seem strange sweet friend and Anne Vavasour's Echo, are found in collections of the Earl of Oxford's work. However, some old writings suggest Anne Vavasour might have written them.
Anne Vavasour's Echo is written like a conversation. Anne asks questions, and the last word of each line is echoed as the answer. For example, if she says, "'who was the first that bred me to this fever?'", the echo answers: "'vere'".
Images for kids
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Portrait of Anne Vavasour, attributed to John de Critz, c.1605
See Also
