Barbara Howard, Countess of Suffolk facts for kids
Barbara Howard, Countess of Suffolk (born Villiers; May or June 1622 – December 13, 1680), was an important English courtier. She was married to James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk. She held a very important job as the First Lady of the Bedchamber for Catherine of Braganza, who was the Queen of England. She served the Queen from 1660 until her death in 1680.
Quick facts for kids Barbara Howard |
|
|---|---|
| Countess of Suffolk | |
| Spouse(s) | Hon. Richard Wenman Sir Richard Wentworth James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk |
| Issue | |
| Lady Elizabeth Howard | |
| Noble family | Villiers |
| Father | Edward Villiers |
| Mother | Barbara St. John |
| Born | May/June 1622 |
| Died | 13 December 1680 |
| Occupation | First Lady of the Bedchamber to Catherine of Braganza |
Life of Barbara Howard
Barbara Howard was the daughter of Sir Edward Villiers. She married three times in her life. Her first husband was Richard Wenman. After he passed away in 1646, she married Sir Richard Wentworth.
Around February 1650, she married her third husband, the Earl of Suffolk. She was his second wife. During this marriage, she had her only child, a daughter named Lady Elizabeth Howard. Elizabeth later married Sir Thomas Felton, 4th Baronet. Barbara was also the aunt of another famous Barbara, Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland.
Serving the Queen
In 1662, Barbara Howard got a very important job. She was appointed the First Lady of the Bedchamber to the new queen, Catherine of Braganza. The Queen had just arrived in England. Barbara's niece, Barbara Villiers, was also appointed one of the Ladies of the Bedchamber.
The Countess of Suffolk also held the title of Groom of the Stole to the Queen. This meant she was in charge of the Queen's wardrobe and personal items. She was the highest-ranking woman in the Queen's household. This gave her a special place above all other ladies-in-waiting.
A Special Welcome
Barbara Howard was one of the first people to welcome Queen Catherine to England. She was the most senior of the five ladies-in-waiting who met the Queen at Portsmouth. Lord Sandwich wrote about this meeting. He said the Queen was very kind to Lady Suffolk and the other ladies.
Barbara and the other ladies helped the Queen change her style. Queen Catherine had arrived wearing Portuguese clothes and hairstyles. These were considered old-fashioned in England. Barbara helped her choose new English clothes and hairstyles that the King would like.
Important Duties
Barbara Howard also helped during the royal wedding ceremony. She ceremoniously helped the Queen undress after the wedding. She did this with the Queen's Portuguese ladies-in-waiting.
She was a very public figure during her time at court. She always took the first place as a lady-in-waiting at all public events. This included the Queen's official entry into London. She also became a godmother to Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Cleveland. King Charles II and the Earl of Oxford were the godfathers.
Barbara also took care of the Queen when she was ill after childbirth. She kept her important job until she passed away in 1680.
