Elizabeth Somerset, Countess of Worcester (wife of the 2nd Earl) facts for kids

Elizabeth Somerset, Countess of Worcester (born Browne; died 1565) was an important noblewoman in 16th-century England. She served as a lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, who was the Queen of England. Elizabeth played a key role in the events that led to Queen Anne's downfall.

Early Life and Family

Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir Anthony Browne. Her father was a trusted advisor and friend to King Henry VIII. Her mother was Lucy, who came from the important Neville family. Elizabeth also had a half-brother named Sir William Fitzwilliam, 1st Earl of Southampton. He was a powerful figure in the king's household.

Around 1508, Elizabeth's sister, Anne Browne, married Sir Charles Brandon. He later became the Duke of Suffolk. This marriage made Elizabeth an aunt to Anne Brandon and Mary Brandon.

Elizabeth became the second wife of Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester. Henry's first wife had passed away. Elizabeth married Henry before 1527. She officially became the Countess of Worcester on April 15, 1526.

Role at Court

Elizabeth served as one of Queen Anne Boleyn's ladies-in-waiting. This meant she was part of the queen's close circle. Her duties included helping the queen during important events. For example, at Anne's coronation feast, Elizabeth stood close to the queen. She even held a fine cloth for the queen when needed.

Elizabeth and Queen Anne seemed to be quite close. Records show that Elizabeth secretly borrowed money from Anne. This suggests a personal connection between them. The queen even helped Elizabeth by paying a midwife for her in 1530. This closeness made Elizabeth's later statements about the queen seem more believable to others.

In 1536, Elizabeth shared information that was used in the investigation against Queen Anne Boleyn. Her statements were mentioned in a poem by Lancelot de Carle. This poem described the reasons for the investigation. People at the time, like John Hussee, said that Elizabeth was a very important source of information. He called her "the first ground" for raising concerns about Anne.

During this time, Elizabeth was expecting another child. Even while Queen Anne was held in the Tower of London, she worried about Elizabeth's difficult pregnancy. Anne "much lamented my lady of Worcester… because that her child did not stir in her body." Elizabeth gave birth to a daughter that year. She named her Anne, possibly to honor Queen Anne Boleyn.

Family and Later Life

Elizabeth passed away in 1565. Her will was dated April 20, and it was officially approved on October 23 of that year. She is buried in Chepstow, Wales.

Elizabeth and Henry had several children who grew up. They had four sons and four daughters who are well-known. It is also thought they had two more children who survived infancy. This would bring their total to ten children.

1. Lady Anne Somerset (1536 - between 1591 and 1596). She married Thomas Percy, 7th Earl of Northumberland.
2. William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester (1527 - February 21, 1589).
3. Lady Lucy Somerset (died February 23, 1583). She married John Neville, 4th Baron Latimer.
4. Lady Eleanor Somerset (died 1584). She married Sir Roger Vaughan and later Henry Johns.
5. Thomas Somerset (died 1586).
6. Charles Somerset.
7. Francis Somerset (died September 10, 1547, in battle).
8. Lady Joan or "Jane" Somerset (1535 - October 16, 1597). She married Sir Edward Mansel.
9. Mary Somerset (died around 1578).