Dorothy Silking facts for kids

Dorothy Silking lived and worked between 1608 and 1640. She was a Danish courtier who worked for Anne of Denmark, the Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Dorothy was one of the queen's chamberers, meaning she helped the queen in her private rooms.

Working for the Queen

People at the royal court called her "Mistress Dorothy" or "Dorothy Silkin." She came from a town called Güstrow in Denmark. Her family was well-known and respected.

Dorothy's job for Queen Anne included looking after her valuable silver dishes and beautiful jewellery. She likely took over this role from another courtier, Margaret Hartsyde. The queen showed her favor to Dorothy and her sister, Jyngell Silking, by giving them gifts of clothes. In 1607, a list of the queen's jewels showed that "Mrs Dorothy" returned a bracelet to the queen's collection.

A Mine Project

In October 1609, Dorothy Silking tried to start a coal mine. This mine was on land that belonged to the queen at Corston, Somerset. The queen probably gave her this right as a reward for her service. Dorothy wrote to the Earl of Salisbury to get permission for her mining project. It's not clear if her mining business was successful.

Sisters at Court

Dorothy and her sister, Engella Seelken, became English citizens in July 1610. Many other people who worked for the queen also became citizens at this time. This included the queen's doctor, Martin Schöner, and her apothecary, John Wolfgang Rumler.

Both Dorothy and "Mrs Ingle" (Engella) received special mourning clothes in 1612. This was after Prince Henry, the queen's son, sadly passed away.

Becoming Lady Zouch

In 1612, Dorothy married Edward Zouch of Woking. After her marriage, she was usually known as "Lady Zouch." A court official named Reverend George Garrard remembered her in 1635. He said that Dorothy was "a Dane" who served Queen Anne. He also mentioned that she was very wealthy, and Edward Zouch married her for her money.

The royal jeweller, George Heriot, wrote in his records in 1613 that "Lady Sutch" owed him money. She said that the queen had agreed to pay this debt.

When Queen Anne passed away in 1619, "Lady Zouch" walked in the funeral procession. She was listed among the important ladies of the Privy Chamber.

After the queen's death, an inventory of her silver was taken in 1621. The Zouches were asked to account for some missing silver. Edward Zouch successfully argued that a paper signed by Dorothy Silking was fake. He said she could not write her name, so they were not responsible for the missing items.

Edward Zouch died in 1634. The next year, their 17-year-old daughter, Sophia, married Viscount Wimbledon. He was a 63-year-old war hero. The big age difference between them was noticed by others at court.

Dorothy's son, James Zouch, married Beatrice Annesley. In 1638, James's father-in-law advised him to live more simply. He suggested James live with his mother and only a few servants because of his debts.

The exact dates of Dorothy's birth and death are not known.

Family Life

Dorothy and Edward Zouch had children:

• James Zouch (1615-1643): He married Beatrice Annesley (1619-1668). Beatrice was the daughter of Francis Annesley, 1st Viscount Valentia. Her aunt, Bridget Annesley, also worked for Queen Anne in her bedchamber, just like Dorothy. James and Beatrice's brother had traveled together on a long trip around Europe.
• Sophia Zouch (1618-1691): In September 1635, she first married Edward Cecil, 1st Viscount Wimbledon (1572-1638). They had a child named Algernon who died young. Later, Sophia married Robert King (died 1657). Her daughter, Elizabeth King, married Thomas Barnadiston. Sophia was buried at Ketton in Suffolk.