Charlotte Stanley, Countess of Derby facts for kids
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Charlotte Stanley, Countess of Derby (born Charlotte de La Trémoille in December 1599 – died March 31, 1664), was a very brave woman known for defending her home, Lathom House, during the English Civil War. She showed great courage and leadership when her husband was away fighting.
Contents
Early Life and Marriage
Charlotte was born in Thouars, a town in France. Her father was Claude de La Trémoille, 2nd Duke of Thouars, a French nobleman. Her mother was Charlotte Brabantina of Nassau. Her grandparents were William I, Prince of Orange, a famous leader, and Charlotte de Bourbon.
In June 1626, Charlotte married James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, an English nobleman. She became an English citizen in 1629. Her husband was a commander for the King's side (the Royalists) during the English Civil War. He was later captured and executed in 1651.
Defending Lathom House
Lady Derby became famous for her amazing defense of Lathom House in 1644. This happened during the First English Civil War. Her husband was away fighting, so she was left in charge of Lathom House. It was the last place in Lancashire still held by the Royalists.
After a nearby town fell, the Parliament's army asked her to give up her home. She bravely refused, saying it would dishonor her husband. She offered to only defend her house, which bought her some time.
The Siege Begins
In February 1644, the Parliament's forces, led by Sir Thomas Fairfax, surrounded Lathom House. Lady Derby had made the castle strong to resist attacks. She also gathered a group of skilled shooters. These marksmen caused many losses to the attacking army.
She kept refusing to surrender, even when offered many chances. On May 27, 1644, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, a Royalist leader, arrived with more soldiers. They broke the siege, forcing the Parliament's army to leave. Lady Derby and her people were then taken to the Isle of Man for safety. Her brave defense of Lathom House is remembered in stories and poems.
Leadership on the Isle of Man
Lady Derby's husband was also the Lord of Mann, which meant he ruled the Isle of Man. After her husband was captured, Lady Derby tried to trade the island for his freedom. This caused a local uprising led by Illiam Dhone, who was against English rule.
Lady Derby was still holding the Isle of Man. However, the Royalist army was completely defeated at the Battle of Worcester. Prince Charles had to flee to France. With her husband executed and no help coming, Lady Derby had no choice but to surrender.
Castle Rushen, on the Isle of Man, was the very last Royalist stronghold to give up. It surrendered to Parliament's forces in October 1651. Lady Derby eventually gave in, but she was known as one of the last people to resist the Parliament's victory.
Family Life
Charlotte and her husband, James Stanley, had ten children together. Five of their children lived to adulthood:
- Charles Stanley, 8th Earl of Derby (born 1628 – died 1672).
- Lady Henriette Mary Stanley (born 1630 – died 1685). She married William Wentworth, 2nd Earl of Strafford.
- Lady Amelia Ann Sophia Stanley (born 1633 – died 1703). She married John Murray, 1st Marquess of Atholl.
- Lady Catherine Stanley. She married Henry Pierrepont, 1st Marquess of Dorchester.
- John Stanley (born 1641 – died 1719). He married Alice Biddle.
Charles's two sons, William and James, both became Earls of Derby. However, they did not have sons. Because of this, when James died in 1736, the titles and lands passed to Sir Edward Stanley. The later Earls of Derby are descended from him.
