Elizabeth Killigrew, Viscountess Shannon facts for kids

Elizabeth Killigrew, Viscountess Shannon (born May 16, 1622 – died December 1680), was an English courtier. A courtier was someone who attended a royal court as a companion or adviser to the king or queen.

Elizabeth Killigrew: A Life at Court

Elizabeth Killigrew was born in London and was baptised on May 16, 1622. Her father was Sir Robert Killigrew, and her mother was Mary Woodhouse. She also had a brother who became a famous writer, Thomas Killigrew.

Marriage and Family Life

On October 24, 1639, Elizabeth married Francis Boyle. He later became known as Viscount Shannon. Francis was the son of a very important Irish landowner, Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork. Because they were young, there was some talk about whether they should live together right away or if Francis should travel first.

Elizabeth and Francis had a daughter named Charlotte. Charlotte later married James Howard. In 1672, she married again to William Paston.

Elizabeth had many interesting relatives. Her niece, Anne Killigrew, was a poet. Her brother, Sir William Killigrew, was also a politician and a writer. She was also related to Roger Boyle, 1st Earl of Orrery, who was a brother-in-law, and the famous scientist Robert Boyle.

Life at the Royal Court

During a time of trouble in England, Elizabeth joined the royal family who were living in exile. She became a maid of honour to Queen Henrietta Maria. A maid of honour was a young noblewoman who attended the queen.

While she was part of the royal court, Elizabeth became close to the queen's son, Prince Charles. He later became King Charles II. In 1660, when Charles became king again, Elizabeth's husband was given the title of Viscount Shannon. This was a special honor in the Irish nobility.

Elizabeth Killigrew passed away in December 1680.