Elizabeth Claypole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lady Elizabeth Claypole
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| Born |
Elizabeth Cromwell
2 July 1629 |
| Died | 6 August 1658 (aged 29) |
| Resting place | Westminster Abbey |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse(s) | John Claypole |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Oliver Cromwell Elizabeth Bourchier |
Elizabeth Claypole (born Cromwell; 2 July 1629 – 6 August 1658) was the second daughter of Oliver Cromwell. He was the powerful leader of England, Scotland, and Ireland during a time called the Protectorate. Elizabeth was known for being very close to her father. She often tried to help Royalist prisoners. After her husband, John Claypole, received a special title, she became known as Lady Claypole. She was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Her Life
Elizabeth married John Claypole on January 13, 1646. She was her father's favorite daughter. Oliver Cromwell cared a lot about her well-being. He once wrote that he was happy she was thinking about important things. However, he also worried she might get too caught up in worldly pleasures.
Life as a Leader's Daughter
Some people at the time felt that Elizabeth was too proud because of her father's high position. One writer, Lucy Hutchinson, even called Elizabeth and her sisters "insolent fools." Another story tells how Elizabeth made a comment about the wives of important generals. She joked that they were "washing their dishes at home." This made some people upset.
However, others described Elizabeth differently. James Harrington said she acted like a true princess. He noted that she was kind to everyone. She often helped people who were in trouble. Harrington himself asked her for help to get back his important book, Oceana, which had been taken away.
Helping Others
Elizabeth Claypole was known for trying to help political prisoners. She often asked her father, Oliver Cromwell, to be merciful. Some stories say she tried to save the life of a man named Dr. John Hewett. Even though her own letters suggest otherwise, she was often seen as someone who spoke up for those in danger.
One report says that her sadness over not being able to save some people may have made her sick. She became ill in June 1658. Her sickness got worse after her youngest son, Oliver, passed away.
Her Death and Burial
Elizabeth Claypole died on August 6, 1658. News reports at the time described her as a "lady of an excellent spirit and judgment." They also said she was "eminent in all princely qualities."
She was buried on August 10 in Henry VII's chapel inside Westminster Abbey. After the monarchy was restored in England, some bodies were moved from the Abbey. However, Elizabeth Claypole's body was allowed to remain there. It was found in its original spot in 1869.
Elizabeth and John Claypole had four children: three sons and one daughter. None of their children had descendants.
Legacy
Elizabeth Claypole inspired a character named Delmira in an Italian play from 1671. The play was called Il Cromuele (The Cromwell). It was a tragedy set during the English Civil War.
