Elizabeth Boyle, Countess of Guilford facts for kids
Elizabeth Boyle, Countess of Guildford (who was born Elizabeth Feilding), was an important English noblewoman. She was given the special title of Countess of Guildford for her lifetime on July 14, 1660. This happened during the time of the English Restoration, when the monarchy was brought back. When she passed away around September 3, 1667, her title ended. She also worked for Queen Henrietta Maria, who was the Queen Mother, as a Lady of the Bedchamber.
Early Life and Family
Elizabeth Feilding was born to Sir William Feilding and his wife, Susan Villiers. Her father later became the 1st Earl of Denbigh. Her mother, Susan, was the sister of George Villiers, who was a very close friend and advisor to the King. Because of this connection, Elizabeth's father gained many important positions and titles at court. He became a knight around 1607. Later, he was made Baron Feilding in 1620 and then the 1st Earl of Denbigh in 1622.
Elizabeth had two sisters and two brothers who lived past infancy. Her brother Basil became the 2nd Earl of Denbigh after their father died. Her sister Margaret (also called Mary) married James Hamilton, the 1st Duke of Hamilton. Her brother George became the 1st Earl of Desmond.
In the 1620s, Elizabeth's grandmother, Mary Villiers, became a Roman Catholic. This likely influenced other family members. Elizabeth's mother, Susan, also became Catholic after her husband died. Elizabeth and her sister Mary were known to be very devoted Catholics. Elizabeth even performed in a special play called Salmacida Spolia in 1639 or 1640.
Marriage to Lewis Boyle
On December 26, 1639, Elizabeth married Lewis Boyle, the 1st Viscount Boyle of Kinalmeaky. He was an Irish nobleman and the second son of Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork. Their wedding took place at the Chapel Royal in Whitehall Palace. After her marriage, she was known as Viscountess Boyle of Kinalmeaky.
There was a story about her wedding day. Lewis Boyle had some health problems and an old injury. The Queen, Henrietta Maria, heard about this. She advised Elizabeth not to go to bed with her husband on their wedding night. Lewis Boyle soon realized that everyone at court knew about his health issues. He then either went to France or hid in London.
In June 1641, Elizabeth was in a boat accident near London Bridge. The boat, carrying her, her father, and others, flipped over. Sadly, one person drowned, but Elizabeth and the others were rescued.
Elizabeth's marriage was very short, lasting less than three years. Her husband, Lord Kinalmeaky, was killed in 1642 at the Battle of Liscarroll. This battle was part of the Irish Confederate Wars. Elizabeth never married again after his death.
Life After Her Husband's Death
After her husband died, Elizabeth stayed with her father-in-law, Lord Cork. He cared for her deeply and often mentioned her fondly in his letters. For her safety, he eventually sent her to England. He wrote about how sad he was to see her go. During this time, her own father fought in the English Civil War, supporting the King.
Lady Kinalmeaky became a Roman Catholic. For some years, she lived in France with Queen Henrietta Maria, who was also in exile. Elizabeth's mother, the Countess of Denbigh, also attended the Queen in France.
While in France, Elizabeth was in charge of Margaret Blagge. Margaret later married Sidney Godolphin. A writer named John Evelyn described Lady Guilford as a very strict and religious governess.
After the English Restoration, King Charles II made her the Countess of Guildford for life on July 14, 1660. She also worked for Queen Henrietta Maria (who was now the Queen Mother) as a Lady of the Bedchamber. Elizabeth Boyle died in France around September 3, 1667. She had no children. Her will was approved in November 1667. When she died, the title of Countess of Guildford ended.
