Elizabeth Stafford, Duchess of Norfolk facts for kids

Lady Elizabeth Stafford (born around 1497 – died 30 November 1558) was an important English noblewoman. She was the oldest daughter of Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Lady Eleanor Percy. When she married Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, she became the Duchess of Norfolk.

Elizabeth's Family Background

Elizabeth Stafford's father, Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham

Lady Elizabeth Stafford was born around 1497. Her parents were Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, and Eleanor Percy. Elizabeth's grandmother, Lady Catherine Woodville, was the sister of Queen Elizabeth Woodville. This made her related to King Edward IV of England.

Her grandfather, Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, faced serious accusations and was executed in 1483. Sadly, her own father also faced similar accusations and was executed in 1521 by King Henry VIII.

Her Early Life and Education

Elizabeth lived at home during her childhood. Her father made sure all his children received an education. We know Elizabeth could read and write because a famous poet, John Skelton, admired her. He even called her a friend of the muses, which means she loved learning and the arts.

In 1509, Elizabeth joined the royal court. She became a lady-in-waiting to Catherine of Aragon, who was the Queen at the time. Elizabeth and Queen Catherine became close friends for life.

Elizabeth's Marriage and Royal Connections

Elizabeth Stafford's husband, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk

Before January 8, 1513, Elizabeth married Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey. She was only fifteen, and he was in his late thirties. This was Thomas Howard's second marriage. His first wife was Anne, who was the daughter of King Edward IV.

Before marrying Thomas Howard, Elizabeth had been promised to Ralph Neville, 4th Earl of Westmorland. Elizabeth and Westmorland seemed to like each other very much. Years later, Elizabeth wrote that they had been in love for two years. She said she would have married him if Thomas Howard had not quickly asked her father for her hand in marriage.

Elizabeth's father first tried to get Thomas Howard to marry one of her sisters. But Elizabeth said, "He would have none of my sisters, but only me." Elizabeth brought a large sum of money with her into the marriage. She was also promised an income for life, but her husband never kept that promise.

Elizabeth said she was a good wife. She continued to serve at court for sixteen years while her husband was away fighting in King Henry VIII's wars. She even went with him to Ireland. They had five children together. At first, they seemed to be a loving couple.

Loyalty to Queen Catherine

During this time, King Henry VIII wanted to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The Duchess of Norfolk remained very loyal to Queen Catherine. She did not like her husband's niece, Anne Boleyn, whom the King was very interested in.

In 1530, it was noticed that the Duchess was secretly sending letters to Queen Catherine. These letters were hidden inside oranges. Queen Catherine then passed them to the ambassador from the Holy Roman Empire. The Duchess even told the ambassador that her husband believed Anne Boleyn would cause trouble for their family. In 1531, Anne Boleyn asked for the Duchess to be sent away from court. This was because the Duchess openly showed her loyalty to Queen Catherine.

The Duchess also disagreed with Anne Boleyn about her daughter's marriage. Anne wanted the Duchess's daughter, Mary Howard, to marry King Henry VIII's son, Henry FitzRoy. When Anne Boleyn became queen in 1533, the Duchess refused to attend the coronation. She did this because she loved Queen Catherine.

Separation and Later Life

Meanwhile, the Duchess's own marriage became very difficult. In 1534, her husband, Thomas Howard, forced her to separate. The Duchess wrote letters complaining that she was kept almost like a prisoner. She received very little money to live on.

At first, the Duchess tried to make up with her husband. But when he did not reply to her letters, she decided she would never try to get him to take her back. Her husband tried to get her to agree to a divorce. He offered to return her jewels and other belongings. But she refused his offers. She received little support from her own family. Her oldest son and daughter became distant from her. Her brother even criticized her behavior.

Final Years and Legacy

Framlingham Church, burial place of Elizabeth Stafford's husband

The Duchess and her brother eventually became friends again. Before 1547, he sent one of his daughters to live with her. The Duchess was very kind and generous to her niece.

In King Henry VIII's last years, her husband, the Duke of Norfolk, faced political challenges. In 1546, both the Duke and his oldest son, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, were accused of serious crimes against the King. They were arrested and sent to the Tower of London. The Duke's family, including the Duchess, provided information about him. Surrey was executed in 1547. The Duke was also set to be executed, but King Henry VIII died the day before. This saved the Duke's life.

The Duke of Norfolk remained in the Tower during the reign of King Edward VI. He was finally released and pardoned by Queen Mary I in 1553. He died in 1554. The Duchess was not mentioned in his will.

In 1557, she was a godmother at the baptism of her great-grandson, Philip Howard. She held the child over a special gold baptismal font. This font was usually only used for royal children.

Elizabeth Howard died on November 30, 1558, in Lambeth. She was buried in the Howard family chapel. Her brother wrote a short and touching poem for her: Thou wast to me, both far and near, A mother, sister, a friend most dear.

Her Children

Elizabeth and Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk had two sons and three daughters:

• Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey (born 1516 or 1517 – died 1547). He married Frances de Vere. They had two sons and three daughters. After his execution, his children were cared for by their aunt, Mary Howard.
• Lady Mary Howard (born 1519 – died 1557). She married King Henry VIII's son, Henry FitzRoy, in 1533. They did not have any children.
• Thomas Howard, 1st Viscount Howard of Bindon (born 1520 – died 1582). He married four times.
• Lady Muriel Howard (died young).
• Lady Katherine Howard. She married Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby in 1529 and died in 1530.

Images for kids

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  Elizabeth Stafford's father, Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham

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  Elizabeth Stafford's husband, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk

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  Framlingham Church, burial place of Elizabeth Stafford's husband