Bridget Markham facts for kids

Bridget Markham (1579–1609) was an important person at the royal court. She worked for Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen of England and Scotland. Bridget was also the subject of several poems.

She was the daughter of Sir James Harington (1542–1614) and Frances Sapcote. Her family lived in Ridlington, Rutland. Bridget was also a cousin of Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford, who was a very influential person at court.

Bridget's Life and Royal Service

In 1598, Bridget married Sir Anthony Markham (1577–1604) from Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire. They were married in Ridlington, Rutland. They had four children together. Sir Anthony was knighted by King James VI and I in 1603. Sadly, he passed away in 1604.

After her husband's death, Bridget became a lady of the bedchamber for Anne of Denmark, the Queen. This important job meant she was a close attendant to the Queen. Her cousin, the Countess of Bedford, helped her get this position. Bridget continued to manage her family's lands in Sedgebrook.

Bridget, Lady Markham, died on May 4, 1609. She passed away at Twickenham Park, a home that belonged to her cousin, the Countess of Bedford.

Poems Written for Bridget

Bridget Markham was remembered in several poems. A Latin message at St Mary's Church, Twickenham talks about her close friendship with Lucy, Countess of Bedford. It also mentions her role in the Queen's household, her marriage, and her death in 1609.

Famous poets like John Donne and Francis Beaumont wrote poems about her. The Countess of Bedford also wrote a poem called "Elegie on the Ladye Marckham." This poem begins by talking to Death itself, saying:

Death be not proud, thy hand gave not this blow,

Sin was her captive, whence thy power doth flow;

The executioner of wrath thou art,

But to destroy the just is not thy part.

Thy coming, terror, anguish, grief denounce;

Her happy state, courage, ease, joy pronounce.

John Donne's poem used a special comparison. He wrote that Bridget's body, after her death, was like fine porcelain clay being refined. This process would reveal the precious stones that made up her soul.

Bridget Markham's Will

Bridget's will was made public on May 3, 1609, just one day before she died. She hoped her daughter Frances would inherit her "childbed linen" at Sedgebrook. She also wanted her sons to attend Cambridge University.

Bridget left gifts for many people. She gave £20 to Catherine Widmerpoole, a servant of the Countess of Bedford. Her sister, Anne Harington, received a locket with a picture of the Countess of Bedford. Bridget also left her coach and horses to the Countess of Bedford. She gave the Countess some silver items she had pawned in London, a crimson velvet dress, and a fancy tawny outfit. The Countess was also asked to care for Bridget's daughter Frances, giving her £50 each year.

Bridget gave her friend and fellow courtier, Jane Meautys, her ruby and diamond buttons. She also asked for three special rings to be bought as gifts. These rings were called memento mori rings, which means "remember you must die." They had "death's heads" on them. These rings were for Sir Henry Carey, the poet Benjamin Rudyerd, and John Gill.

Bridget's Children

Bridget Markham had four children:

• John Markham, who married Eleanor Tyringham.
• Robert Markham of Sedgebrook. He married Rebecca Eyre and later Rebecca Hussey.
• Henry Markham (born in 1602).
• Frances Markham (1599–1614).

Bridget's oldest son, Robert Markham of Sedgebrook (1597–1667), supported the King during the English Civil War. However, her younger son, Henry, fought for the Parliament.

Her daughter Frances, also known as "Frank," was raised by the Countess of Bedford. Frances died in September 1614 at Exton Hall in Rutland. She passed away two months before she was supposed to get married.