Elizabeth Jekyll facts for kids

Elizabeth Jekyll, born Elizabeth Ward (1624–1653), was an English woman who kept a detailed diary. Her diary gives us a special look into her life during a big conflict called the English Civil War. She was married to John Jekyll, who was an important supporter of the Parliament.

Her Life Story

Elizabeth Jekyll was likely born in London. She was baptized on July 18, 1624, at St Christopher's church. This church was in the area of St Mary Woolchurch in London. Her parents, George and Elizabeth Ward, knew many important people.

She married John Jekyll sometime before 1643. John was the son of Thomas Jekyll. Her husband was a leading parliamentarian, meaning he supported the Parliament's side during the English Civil War. He was also a freeman and a haberdasher, which was a merchant who sold small sewing items.

Elizabeth became known because she started writing a diary when she got married. Her diary tells us about the births of her seven children, though only five survived. It also describes her husband's efforts to help the Parliament's cause.

Diary Entries

Elizabeth's diary shares many personal thoughts. She wrote about her husband's arrest in Bristol. He was called the "leading roundhead," which was a nickname for Parliament's supporters. He was later released.

In her diary, Elizabeth wrote about her feelings during his arrest. She also recorded how the Civil War was going and important family events. Besides her personal thoughts, the diary also includes some poems. It even has an account of the trial of Christopher Love, a person who was seen as a martyr by some and a traitor by others.

Her Death and What She Left Behind

Elizabeth Jekyll died about a week after her seventh child was born. She was buried in St Stephen Walbrook. Her husband, John, married again after her death. He had five more children with his second wife.

However, John Jekyll chose to be buried next to Elizabeth, his first wife. He left his money to his second wife and to Thomas Jekyll, who was his and Elizabeth's oldest child.

Elizabeth's diary survived her. At some point after 1685, someone unknown made a copy of it. This copy included quotes from later dates. Today, Elizabeth Jekyll's diary is kept safe at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University. It is a valuable historical record.