Elizabeth Tyldesley facts for kids

Elizabeth Tyldesley, also known as Clare Mary Ann, lived from 1585 to 1654. She was an important leader, called an abbess, at a special place for nuns called the Poor Clare Convent in Gravelines during the 1600s.

Early Life and Family

Elizabeth Tyldesley was born in 1585. Her father was Thomas Tyldesley and her mother was Elizabeth Anderton. Her family lived in Lancashire, which is now part of Greater Manchester.

Elizabeth's family were known as recusants. This meant they were Roman Catholics who did not follow the official Church of England. Her mother even helped a Catholic priest named Ambrose Barlow. He secretly held religious services, like Mass, in the homes of Catholic families.

Elizabeth's grandfather, Edward Tyldesley, left her a sum of money called a dowry. This money was usually for a woman to use when she got married. However, Elizabeth never married.

Becoming a Nun

Instead of marrying, Elizabeth decided to become a nun. She joined a group of English nuns called the Order of St. Clare, or "Claresses." This community was located in Gravelines, which was then part of the Spanish Netherlands.

The Poor Clare Convent in Gravelines was started in 1607 by Mary Ward. It was a place for English Roman Catholic women. They wanted to live a contemplative life, meaning a life focused on prayer and quiet reflection. This kind of life was not possible in England after the English Reformation.

On February 5, 1609, Elizabeth and six other women received their religious habits. This is the special clothing worn by nuns. When Elizabeth received her habit, she took a new name: Sister Clare Mary Ann.

She spent a year as a novice, learning about the nun's way of life. On November 3, 1610, she made her first vows. This was a promise to live as a nun. The Poor Clares had a very strict way of life. Nuns slept on straw beds and ate meat only at Christmas. They spent most of their days in silent prayer.

Leading the Convent

Five years after joining, Elizabeth was chosen to be the abbess of the community. An abbess is like the head or leader of a convent. Before her, other leaders had faced money problems. But under Mother Clare Mary Ann, the convent grew and became successful.

In 1626, a Franciscan leader removed her from her role as abbess. Another nun, Margaret Radcliffe, took her place. Many people at the convent were unhappy about this change. A fire even broke out, which some believed was a sign from God. Elizabeth was given her position back in 1627.

Elizabeth became the Superior of four different Poor Clare communities. These included both Irish and English nuns. She helped more than a hundred women join religious life.

Elizabeth died on February 17, 1654. She had lived in the monastery for 44 years. For 39 of those years, she served as the abbess.

Her nephew, Sir Thomas Tyldesley, was a wealthy and important Catholic. He was likely very proud of his aunt's achievements.