Elizabeth Moleyns facts for kids

Elizabeth Moleyns (born in 1563) was an English courtier who served in the royal court. She was known for her connections to important figures during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir Thomas Southwell and his third wife, Nazareth Newton. She also had a half-brother, Sir Robert Southwell.

Serving Queen Elizabeth I

Elizabeth Southwell became a Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth I. A Maid of Honour was a young noblewoman who helped the Queen and attended to her needs at court.

There were a few ladies at court named "Mistress Southwell," which can sometimes be confusing. Elizabeth Moleyns, then known as Elizabeth Southwell, joined the Queen's court in January 1600. She took the place of another courtier, Margaret Radclyffe.

It was noted by Rowland Whyte, a letter writer of the time, that Elizabeth would be sworn in as a Maid of Honour. He mentioned that "My Lady Newton" had helped her get this position. This "Lady Newton" was actually Elizabeth's aunt, not her mother.

Life at Court and Family

During her time at court, Elizabeth Southwell had a son named Walter Devereux in 1591. To explain her absence from court during this time, it was said that she had a "lameness in her leg." Queen Elizabeth I later learned the true reason for her absence in May 1595.

In 1599, Elizabeth married Sir Barentine Moleyns. He was from Clapcot, a place near Wallingford. Sir Barentine was younger than Elizabeth. He was a soldier who had been weakened by injuries from his time in the military.

Rowland Whyte also mentioned Elizabeth Moleyns in his letters after her marriage. He noted that "Lady Moleyns, she that was Mistress Southwell, the maid," attended a christening in December 1599. This was for Barbara Sidney, the daughter of Sir Robert Sidney and Barbara Gamage. Elizabeth attended this event with Anne St John, Lady Effingham.

Elizabeth and Sir Barentine Moleyns had a son together named Michael Molyns.