Barbara Berkeley, Viscountess Fitzhardinge facts for kids
Barbara Berkeley, Viscountess Fitzhardinge (born Barbara Villiers; around 1654 – 19 September 1708) was an important lady at the English royal court. She served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne and was also the governess to Queen Anne's son, Prince William, Duke of Gloucester. Barbara was known for her cleverness and her influence within the royal household.
Who Was Barbara Berkeley?
Barbara Villiers was born to Colonel Sir Edward Villiers and Lady Frances Howard. Her family had connections to important figures, as her mother was a descendant of John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk.
Her Early Life and Royal Service
Barbara began her life at court as a maid of honour to the princesses of York. This was before Princess Mary married William in 1677. While some of her sisters, Anne, Katherine, and Elizabeth, went to The Hague, Barbara stayed in England. She joined the household of Princess Anne, who would later become Queen.
Life at Court
At court, Barbara became close friends with Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. Sarah was a very influential person and a trusted friend of Princess Anne. However, Barbara's close friendship with Sarah sometimes caused jealousy and anger in Princess Anne.
Barbara was an ambitious person, like many in her family. She was known for her sharp wit and her ability to influence others. She often worked to create disagreements with the Churchills, who were not always happy with the rule of King William III and Queen Mary II (1689–1702).
It was also thought that Barbara might have secretly supported the Jacobites. Jacobites were people who believed that the Catholic King James II and his descendants should be the rightful rulers of England, even after he was removed from the throne.
Family and Legacy
Barbara married John Berkeley, the 4th Viscount Fitzhardinge of Berehaven (1650 – 19 December 1712). They had two daughters:
- Hon. Frances Berkeley: She married Sir Thomas Clarges, 2nd Baronet, before 1721. They had two children.
- Hon. Mary Berkeley (born before 1671 – 3 June 1741): She married Walter Chetwynd, 1st Viscount Chetwynd of Bearhaven on 27 May 1703. Mary also served as a maid of honor to Queen Anne. She did not have any children.
Lady Fitzhardinge passed away in 1708. She was buried in the famous Westminster Abbey, a place where many important figures in British history are laid to rest.
