Blanche Milborne facts for kids

Blanche Milborne, Lady Herbert of Troy was a very important lady in the Tudor court. She was in charge of raising some of England's future kings and queens! This included Elizabeth I, Edward VI, and even Queen Mary when she lived with the younger royal children.

Blanche was married twice. First, she married James Whitney. After he passed away, she married Sir William Herbert of Troy Parva. He was the son of a powerful nobleman, William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Blanche had five children. She died around 1557, just before Queen Elizabeth I became queen.

Blanche's Early Life and Family

Blanche Milborne grew up in Burghill, Herefordshire. She was one of many children born to Simon Milborne and Jane Baskerville. Her family had many connections to important people. For example, her sister Alice was the mother of Blanche Parry, who would later become very close to Queen Elizabeth I.

Blanche was also related to Catherine Parr, who became one of King Henry VIII's wives. This shows that Blanche came from a well-connected family.

First Marriage and Family

Blanche Milborne first married James Whitney. They had four children: Robert, James, Watkin, and Elizabeth. Sadly, James Whitney died in 1500, leaving Blanche to care for their young children. Their eldest son, Robert, was only thirteen at the time.

One of Blanche's grandchildren, Ann Morgan, later married Henry Carey. Henry Carey was the son of Mary Boleyn, who was Queen Anne Boleyn's sister. This shows how Blanche's family was connected to the royal family even before she worked for them.

Second Marriage and Life at Troy House

Between 1500 and 1502, Blanche married again. Her second husband was Sir William Herbert of Troy Parva. He was the son of a powerful Earl, Sir William Herbert, and lived in Troy House near Monmouth. Even though Blanche was English, she likely learned to speak Welsh, as it was a Welsh household.

Blanche and Sir William had two sons, Charles and Thomas. Both of them later became knights and served as sheriffs in Monmouthshire. Sir William was a respected man. He was knighted around 1516 and served as Sheriff of Herefordshire.

In 1502, Blanche and Sir William welcomed King Henry VII, his Earls, and possibly the Queen to their home, Troy House. This was a big honor and showed their importance. Sir William died in 1524. Blanche was well taken care of in his will.

Working for the Royal Family

By the 1530s, Lady Herbert of Troy, as she was known, joined the Royal Household. This meant she worked directly for the King and Queen. She was a very trusted person.

We know she was important because she was mentioned at the christening of Prince Edward in 1537. During the ceremony, it was noted that "Lady Elizabeth went with her sister Lady Mary and Lady Herbert of Troy to bear the train." This shows she was close to the royal princesses.

Lady Mistress to the Royal Children

Lady Herbert of Troy became the "Lady Mistress" for the royal children. This meant she was in charge of their care and education. She took over from Margaret Bryan, who had been Princess Elizabeth's first governess.

When Prince Edward was born, Lady Herbert of Troy was put in charge of him as he grew older. She was responsible for his "fosterage," which means she helped raise him. Her role was confirmed in official lists of staff for Princess Elizabeth.

She was at the head of these lists, followed by Kate Champernon, who was another governess. This shows her high position. Lady Herbert of Troy likely retired from her role around 1545 or early 1546, when Princess Elizabeth was about twelve years old.

It seems Lady Herbert of Troy wanted her niece, Blanche Parry, to take over her role. However, the position of Lady Mistress was given to Kate Champernon instead. Blanche Parry still stayed in the household and later became Lady Mistress after Champernon died.

Retirement and Death

After her important work with the royal children, Blanche Milborne retired to her own apartments at Troy House. Her son Charles and his wife, Cicill, took care of her.

Princess Elizabeth continued to show her gratitude. Records from 1551-1552 show that Elizabeth sent her a regular payment, like a pension. This shows how much Elizabeth valued Blanche's care and service.

Blanche Milborne died as an honored lady, probably in 1557. This was before Queen Elizabeth I became queen in November 1558.

A special poem, called an elegy, was written about her by a bard named Lewys Morgannwg. It praised her role in the royal household:

Arglwyddes breninesau,..................(She was a) Lady (in charge) of Queens,

Gofrner oedd ban oedd yn iau...........A governess she was in her youth.

Hi a wyddiad yn weddus..................She knew in a fitting manner

Wybodau iarllesau'r llys,.................The accomplishments of the ladies of the court,

Gorcheidwad cyn ymadaw...............(And she was the) guardian, before she passed away,

Tŷ Harri Wyth a'i blant draw.............Of Henry VIII’s household and his children yonder.

I Edwart Frenin ydoedd,...................To King Edward she was a true

Uwch ei faeth, goruchaf oedd,..........(And) wise lady of dignity,

Waetio yr oedd at ei Ras,.................In charge of his fosterage (she was pre-eminent),

Gywirddoeth wraig o urddas.............(And) she waited upon his Grace.

Arglwyddys plas a gladden',.............(She, whom) they buried, the Lady of the palace of Troy,

Troe, a'i llew lletyai'r ieirll hen............And her lion (i.e. William), gave hospitality to the old Earls.

Bu i frenin, bu fawr unwaith,..............A welcome was given to the King, Henry VII,

Roeso, a'i ieirll, Harri Saith................And his Earls; he was great once.

Gweddu y bu tra fu fyw......................She gave service all her life,

Hon sydd frenhines heddiw................To the one who is Queen today (i.e. Mary I)….

This poem shows how important Blanche Milborne was to the royal family and how much she was respected for her dedication.