Dorothy Spencer, Countess of Sunderland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Spencer
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| Countess of Sunderland | |
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Portrait of Dorothy, Countess of Sunderland (Anthony van Dyck)
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| Born | Lady Dorothy Sidney 1617 |
| Died | 5 February 1684 |
| Buried | Everdon, Northamptonshire |
| Noble family | Sidney (by birth) Spencer (by marriage) |
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| Father | Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester |
| Mother | Lady Dorothy Percy |
Dorothy Spencer (born Lady Dorothy Sidney), later known as the Countess of Sunderland, was an important English noblewoman. She was born in 1617 and passed away on February 5, 1684. Dorothy was the wife of Henry Spencer, 1st Earl of Sunderland. Her parents were Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester and Lady Dorothy Percy.
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A Remarkable Lady
Lady Dorothy Sidney was well-known for many reasons. People admired her beauty, but also her sharp mind, charm, and intelligence. She was a very bright person.
Around 1635, a famous poet named Edmund Waller wanted to marry her. Dorothy turned down his proposal. He wrote poems about her, calling her "Sacharissa." This nickname came from the Latin word sacharum, which means "sugar." It was his way of saying she was sweet and lovely.
Family Life and Challenges
Dorothy married Henry Spencer, 1st Earl of Sunderland. Sadly, her husband died in battle during the First Battle of Newbury in 1643. This left Dorothy a widow with two young children. She was also expecting their third child at the time, who sadly passed away young.
Her children with Henry Spencer were:
- Lady Dorothy Spencer
- Robert Spencer, 2nd Earl of Sunderland
- Lady Penelope Spencer (who lived from about 1642 to 1667). She never married.
After her husband's death, Dorothy lived in Brington, Northamptonshire. Later, she moved back to Penshurst Place in Kent to live with her parents.
In 1652, Dorothy remarried. Her second husband was Sir Robert Smythe of Bidborough, Kent. They had one son together, who they also named Robert.
Her Intelligent Letters
Dorothy's letters show how intelligent and clear-sighted she was. She could even see things very clearly about people close to her. For example, her son and daughter-in-law thought their eldest son, Robert, Lord Spencer, was perfect. But Dorothy had a different view. She wrote about her grandson, saying he "has no good nature or humour, is scornful and pretending." She also noted that he rarely visited her and seemed bored quickly.
Later Years and Legacy
Dorothy Spencer passed away on February 5, 1684. It is believed that her death was caused by the great sadness she felt. Her brother, Algernon Sidney, had faced serious legal challenges in December 1683, which was a very difficult time for her family.
Dorothy is buried in Everdon, Northamptonshire.
