Elizabeth Bourchier (died 1557) facts for kids

Elizabeth Bourchier (born before 1473 – died 8 August 1557) was an important English noblewoman during the Tudor period. She was known for her family connections, especially as the mother of Anne Stanhope. Anne married Edward Seymour, a very powerful leader in England known as the 'Protector Somerset'. Elizabeth also had a fourth husband, Sir Richard Page, who worked for the royal court. She passed away in 1557 and was buried in Clerkenwell, London.

Early Life and Family

Elizabeth Bourchier was born sometime before the year 1473. Her father was Fulk Bourchier, 10th Baron FitzWarin, a nobleman. Her mother was Elizabeth Dynham.

Elizabeth had two siblings. Her brother was John Bourchier, 1st Earl of Bath. Her sister, Joan Bourchier, married James Tuchet, 7th Baron Audley. He was involved in a rebellion and was later executed.

Marriages and Children

Elizabeth Bourchier was married four times during her life.

First Marriages

Her first husband was Henry Beaumont. After his death, she married a man with the last name Verney. With Mr. Verney, she had a daughter named Katherine Verney.

Marriage to Sir Edward Stanhope

Elizabeth's third husband was Sir Edward Stanhope of Rampton, Nottinghamshire. Sir Edward was a brave soldier. He fought in important battles like the Battle of Stoke in 1487 and the Battle of Blackheath in 1497. He was knighted for his bravery during the Battle of Blackheath. He also held important positions, including being a Knight of the Body (a close attendant to the king) and the Constable of Sandal Castle.

Sir Edward Stanhope had two sons from a previous marriage: Richard Stanhope and Sir Michael Stanhope. Sir Michael Stanhope later became an important figure but was executed in 1552.

Anne Stanhope, Duchess of Somerset

With Sir Edward Stanhope, Elizabeth Bourchier had a daughter named Anne Stanhope. Anne became a very important person when she married Edward Seymour. He was a powerful leader in England, serving as the Lord Protector during the reign of young King Edward VI. Sadly, Edward Seymour was executed in 1552.

Marriage to Sir Richard Page

After Sir Edward Stanhope passed away, Elizabeth Bourchier married her fourth husband, Sir Richard Page. He was a courtier, meaning he worked for the royal family.

With Sir Richard Page, Elizabeth had another daughter named Elizabeth Page. This daughter later married Sir William Skipwith.

Royal Connections

Elizabeth Bourchier, then known as Lady Page, had some interesting connections to the royal family. In 1537, her servant was given a reward for bringing strawberries and cream to the future Queen Mary.

Later, when her daughter, Anne Stanhope (the Duchess of Somerset), was held in the Tower of London in 1552, Elizabeth was allowed to visit her.

Later Life and Death

Elizabeth Bourchier died on 8 August 1557. She was buried in Clerkenwell, London. Her death was recorded in the diary of Henry Machyn, who kept notes on events in London during that time.

Images for kids

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  Monument to Elizabeth Bourchier's daughter, Anne Stanhope, in Westminster Abbey