Catherine Carey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine Carey |
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| Lady Knollys | |
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| Portrait often identified as Catherine by Steven van der Meulen, 1562 | |
| Spouse(s) | Sir Francis Knollys |
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| Father | William Carey |
| Mother | Mary Boleyn |
| Born | c. 1522 England |
| Died | 15 January 1569 (aged 46-47) Hampton Court Palace |
| Burial | St Edmund's Chapel, Westminster Abbey |
Catherine Carey (born around 1522, died January 15, 1569) was an important lady at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. After her marriage, she became known as Catherine Knollys or Lady Knollys. She was the Queen's first cousin and served as the chief Lady of the Bedchamber. This was a very important role, meaning she was a close companion and helper to the Queen.
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Catherine Carey's Early Life
Catherine Carey was born in England around 1522. Her father was William Carey, a gentleman who worked for King Henry VIII. Her mother was Mary Boleyn. Mary Boleyn was the sister of Anne Boleyn, who became one of King Henry VIII's wives. This made Catherine the first cousin of Queen Elizabeth I through her mother's side. Some historians have suggested that Catherine might have been the daughter of King Henry VIII himself. If this were true, it would mean she was also Queen Elizabeth I's half-sister. However, this was never officially recognized.
Catherine was said to have been present at the execution of her aunt, Anne Boleyn, in 1536. But stories that she stayed with Anne in the Tower of London the night before her execution are not believed to be true.
Life at the Royal Court
Catherine continued to serve at the royal court. She became a Maid of Honour (a lady who helps the Queen) to two of King Henry VIII's later wives: Anne of Cleves and Catherine Howard.
On April 26, 1540, Catherine married Sir Francis Knollys. Sir Francis was a very important person in the royal household. He was later made a Knight of the Garter and served as the Treasurer of the Royal Household. After her marriage, Catherine was known as Mistress Knollys, and later as Lady Knollys.
Life During Queen Mary's Reign
Catherine and Sir Francis Knollys were strong Protestants. When Queen Mary I came to the throne, she was a Catholic. Because of their Protestant beliefs, Catherine and her husband had to leave England. They went to Germany to live safely during Queen Mary's rule.
While they were in Germany, Princess Elizabeth (who would later become Queen Elizabeth I) wrote letters to Catherine. This shows how close they were.
Serving Queen Elizabeth I
When Elizabeth became Queen, Catherine returned to England. Queen Elizabeth I appointed Catherine as her Chief Lady of the Bedchamber. This was a very trusted position. For the first ten years of Elizabeth's reign, Catherine managed this important role while also raising her many children.
Queen Elizabeth I never publicly said that Catherine was her half-sister. Catherine and Sir Francis also never claimed this connection openly. At court, Catherine was known as the Queen's favorite among her cousins. Elizabeth did not have many other close female relatives, which might explain why she favored Catherine so much.
Death and Burial
Catherine Carey died on January 15, 1569, at Hampton Court Palace. She was buried in April of that year in St Edmund's Chapel inside Westminster Abbey. There is a small plaque in the abbey to remember her. Her main memorial is located at Rotherfield Greys in Oxfordshire.
Catherine's epitaph (the words on her tomb) describes her as "The Right Honourable Lady Catherine Knollys, chief Lady of the Queen's Majesty's Bedchamber, and Wife to Sir Francis Knollys, Knight, Treasurer of Her Highnesses Houshold." It also mentions that she and her brother, Lord Hunsdon, were the children of William Carey and Lady Mary, who was the sister of Queen Anne of England (King Henry VIII's wife and mother of Queen Elizabeth I).
Catherine's Children
Catherine and Sir Francis Knollys had many children who grew up to be adults. Many of them became important figures in English society.
- Mary Knollys (around 1541 – 1593). She married Edward Stalker.
- Sir Henry Knollys (around 1542 – 1582). He was a member of Parliament and served Queen Elizabeth I.
- Lettice Knollys, Countess of Essex and of Leicester (November 8, 1543 – December 25, 1634). She married three times, including to important noblemen like the Earl of Essex and the Earl of Leicester.
- William Knollys, 1st Earl of Banbury (around 1544 – May 25, 1632). He became an Earl.
- Edward Knollys (1546–1580). He was also a member of Parliament.
- Sir Robert Knollys (1547–1626). He served as a member of Parliament for several areas.
- Richard Knollys (1548 – August 21, 1596). He was a member of Parliament.
- Elizabeth Knollys (June 15, 1549 – around 1605). She married Sir Thomas Leighton, who was the Governor of Jersey and Guernsey.
- Maud Knollys (born 1548). She died young.
- Sir Thomas Knollys (died 1596). He was known for his military service.
- Sir Francis Knollys "the Younger" (around 1552 – 1648). He was a member of Parliament.
- Anne Knollys (July 19, 1555 – August 30, 1608). She married Thomas West, 2nd Baron De La Warr. The American state of Delaware is named after her son, Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr.
- Catherine Knollys (October 21, 1559 – December 20, 1620). She married twice.
- Cecily Knollys (around 1560).
- Margaret Knollys.
- Dudley Knollys (May 9, 1562 – June 1562). He died as a baby.
Catherine in Books
The idea that Catherine, and perhaps her brother Henry, might have been King Henry VIII's children appears in many fictional books. Some of these include:
- Wendy J. Dunn's The Light in the Labyrinth
- Philippa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl
- Philippa Gregory's The Boleyn Inheritance
- Philippa Gregory's The Virgin's Lover
- Alison Prince's Henry VIII's Wives
- Adrienne Dillard's Cor Rotto: A Novel of Catherine Carey
Images for kids
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Catherine's mother, Mary Boleyn, was the sister of Anne Boleyn and had a close relationship with King Henry VIII of England.
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Lettice Knollys, Catherine's daughter, who became a prominent figure at court.
See also
In Spanish: Catherine Carey para niños
