Dorothy Bulstrode facts for kids

Dorothy Bulstrode (1592-1650) was a special helper, called a lady-in-waiting, to Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Dorothy's older sister, Cecily Bulstrode, was also famous because poets like Ben Jonson and John Donne wrote poems about her.

Early Life and Family

Dorothy was born in 1592. She was the youngest of six daughters of Edward Bulstrode and Cecill Croke. Her parents got married in London in 1571. You can find the names of Dorothy's sisters on her father's tomb in St Laurence's Church, Upton-cum-Chalvey.

Dorothy's oldest sister, Elizabeth (1575-1631), married a lawyer named James Whitelocke in 1602. Elizabeth's son, Bulstrode Whitelocke (1605-1675), became a very important person in the government. He was a lawyer and even served as an ambassador, representing England in Sweden. Another sister, Anne Bulstrode (died 1611), married a lawyer named John Searle in 1609.

Dorothy's grandfather, Sir John Croke, passed away in 1609. In his will, he left money to his daughter, Dorothy's mother, to help her unmarried daughters.

Life at the Royal Court

Both Dorothy and her older sister Cecily Bulstrode (1584-1609) worked for Queen Anne of Denmark. They were "gentlewomen of the bedchamber," which meant they helped the Queen with her daily life and were close to her. They were also connected to an important person at court, Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford.

Dorothy sometimes took part in the Queen's special performances called masques. These were plays with music, dancing, and elaborate costumes. Once, Dorothy even received a special prop for a masque: a sceptre (a royal staff) with a dove on it from the Royal Jewelhouse.

Dorothy's Marriage

Around 1609 or 1610, Dorothy married Sir John Eyre. After her marriage, she was known as "Lady Eyre." Some people, like James Whitelocke, mentioned that Dorothy and John married without their families' full approval.

Queen Anne of Denmark was very kind to her helpers. She gave Dorothy, "Lady Eayres," beautiful clothes. For example, in 1610, Dorothy received a gown made of ash-colored taffeta and another made of black satin.

A Story of Portraits and Trouble

A man named George Herbert, who had written a poem for Dorothy's sister Cecily, later wrote about his experiences with Sir John Eyre. According to Herbert, Queen Anne had a portrait of him painted by William Larkin. Dorothy then had a tiny copy of this portrait made by Isaac Oliver, and she wore it secretly in a gold locket.

Herbert believed that this miniature portrait made Sir John Eyre very jealous. Even though Dorothy was known for her "excellent wit and discourse" (meaning she was very clever and good at conversation), Herbert said he didn't know her well. However, he also described visiting her room at the palace and seeing her looking at the tiny portrait by candlelight.

Soon after, Herbert received warnings from important people at court, including the Countess of Bedford, that Sir John Eyre was planning to harm him. Herbert tried to settle things with Eyre, but the situation remained tense.

One day, Eyre and some friends attacked Herbert near Whitehall Palace. Herbert was able to defend himself, and Eyre was injured. Later, Eyre claimed that Dorothy had confessed to being unfaithful. However, Dorothy wrote a letter to her aunt, Lady Croke, denying this. Herbert was able to show this letter to the King's advisors. The Duke of Lennox, an important nobleman, said that John Eyre was very embarrassed because Dorothy's letter proved he was lying. Also, Eyre's father was so upset by the attack that he decided not to leave his son any money in his will.

During the attack, Dorothy was pregnant. Her son, William Eyre, was born in October 1611. He was born at her mother's house in Essex. It seems William died young, as he was not mentioned in his father's will later on.

Sir John Eyre passed away in 1639. He didn't have much money left and only left a very small amount to his wife in his will.

Later Life and Passing

After Sir John Eyre died, Dorothy married John Clyffe (1597-1674).

Dorothy Eyre passed away in 1650. She was buried at St Mary's Church in Upton Grey, Hampshire. There is a beautiful monument there with her portrait. The monument mentions that she was known for her knowledge of medicines. John Clyffe, her second husband, later asked to be buried near his wife, "Lady Eyres," and he also has a stone in the church.