Elizabeth Danby facts for kids

Elizabeth Danby (died 1629) was an important English noblewoman. She was known for being a "recusant," which meant she was a Catholic who did not attend the official Church of England services.

Elizabeth was married to Sir Thomas Danby. She became very important when her son inherited a large fortune at just eight years old. She took charge of managing the family's money and lands.

Elizabeth's Early Life and Family

Elizabeth's parents were Thomas Wentworth and Margaret Gascoigne. Her mother inherited a place called Gawthorpe. Elizabeth married Sir Thomas Danby. He was the son of another Sir Thomas Danby.

Elizabeth's husband died in 1582. She continued to live at Pott Grange. When her father-in-law died, her son, Christopher Danby, was only eight years old. He inherited the family's wealth.

At first, a powerful man named Thomas Cecil was supposed to look after Christopher's inheritance. But this was changed so that Elizabeth could manage it herself. This showed how much trust people had in her.

Managing the Family's Fortune

Elizabeth was known for being very kind and helpful to others. She was a strong Catholic and did not hide her beliefs. During this time in England, Catholics who did not follow the Church of England were called "recusants." They often faced fines and difficulties.

Elizabeth had her own priest and hired a tutor who was also Catholic. She and her household sometimes moved around. This might have been to avoid people who reported recusants. However, she was still fined for helping other Catholics.

Her son, Christopher, became an adult in 1603. He did not seem to be very good at managing their family's properties. The family lost a lot of money because of a manager they hired. This manager allowed tenants to stay on their land without paying more rent. In return, the manager secretly benefited.

The manager also did not take care of the family's large house. He cheated them out of a lot of money between 1608 and 1609. This problem even went to a special court in 1610.

Christopher, Elizabeth's son, also sold some family land and got into debt. He married, but the money he was supposed to receive from his wife's family never arrived. Christopher died in 1624. After him, Elizabeth's grandson, Thomas Danby, took over the family's affairs.

Later Life and Legacy

Elizabeth Danby passed away in 1629. There is a special stone plaque that remembers her and her husband. You can find it on the wall of the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Masham.