Elizabeth FitzHugh facts for kids

Elizabeth FitzHugh (born between 1455 and 1465 – died before July 10, 1507) was an important English noblewoman. She was also known as Lady Elizabeth Parr. She worked as a lady-in-waiting for her cousin, Anne Neville. Anne Neville was the queen of King Richard III. Elizabeth was the grandmother of Catherine Parr. Catherine Parr later became the sixth wife of King Henry VIII. Elizabeth was also the grandmother of Catherine's siblings, Anne Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton.

Elizabeth's Family Background

Elizabeth was likely born at Ravensworth Castle. This family home was in North Yorkshire, England. Her father was Henry FitzHugh, 5th Baron FitzHugh of Ravensworth. Her mother was Lady Alice Neville. Lady Alice was the daughter of Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury.

Elizabeth had a very famous family. Her uncle was Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick. He was known as "Warwick, the Kingmaker" because he helped choose kings. Her great-aunt was Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. Cecily was the mother of two kings, Edward IV and Richard III.

Elizabeth had nine brothers and sisters. One sister was Lady Alice FitzHugh. Her brother Richard became the 6th Baron FitzHugh. After his son George died, the family title became shared. Elizabeth and her older sister Alice were among the people who could claim the title.

Life at Court

Elizabeth was known for being easy-going and enjoying life. Her first husband, Sir William Parr, died in 1483. Elizabeth was probably around 23 years old then. She was left with four young children.

As a widow, Elizabeth spent a lot of time at the royal court. She served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne Neville. Anne was the wife of King Richard III and Elizabeth's cousin. Elizabeth's family had a tradition of serving England's queens. Her mother, Alice Neville, Lady FitzHugh, started this in 1483. Elizabeth's granddaughter, Anne Parr, continued this tradition. Anne Parr became a lady-in-waiting to all six of Henry VIII's wives. Even Anne's sister, Katherine Parr, who later became queen, served Princess Mary.

After the House of York lost power, Elizabeth married again. Her second husband was Sir Nicholas Vaux. He was a close friend of Lady Margaret Beaufort. This marriage helped her family's money situation.

Marriages and Children

Elizabeth married Sir William Parr of Kendal first. He was a Knight of the Garter. This was a very important honor. King Edward IV liked him a lot. William fought with the Nevilles and the Yorkist side in battles. Elizabeth had her first child when she was about 16 years old.

Elizabeth and William had these children:

• Anne Parr (died 1513). She married Sir Thomas Cheney. Their daughter Elizabeth married Thomas Vaux, 2nd Baron Vaux of Harrowden.
• Sir Thomas Parr (born around 1483 – died 1517). He was the oldest son. He became a knight. He was also a sheriff and worked for King Henry VIII. He became very rich. He married Maud Green. Their children included Catherine Parr, who became queen. Their son William Parr also became famous. Their daughter Anne married William Herbert.
• William Parr, 1st Baron Parr of Horton (born around 1483 – died 1547). He was the second son. He also became a knight. He was a sheriff. When his niece Katherine Parr became queen, he became her chamberlain. He was made Baron Parr of Horton in 1543. He had four daughters.
• John Parr (died 1508). He married Constance Vere. They did not have any children.

After Sir William Parr died, Elizabeth married Sir Nicholas Vaux. He was her second husband.

Elizabeth and Nicholas had these children:

• Katherine Vaux (born around 1490 – died around 1571). She married Sir George Throckmorton. They had children.
• Alice Vaux (died 1543). She married Sir Richard Sapcote around 1501. They had at least one child, Anne.
• Anne Vaux. She married Sir Thomas Lestrange. They had children.