Elizabeth Tyrwhitt facts for kids

Elizabeth Tyrwhitt was an important English gentlewoman and writer who lived in the 1500s. She was a lady-in-waiting in the royal court and became a close friend to Queen Catherine Parr.

Elizabeth Tyrwhitt: A Royal Courtier

Early Life and Court Service

Elizabeth was born in Brede, East Sussex. Her father was Sir Goddard Oxenbridge. She was one of five children. She joined the court of King Henry VIII. By 1537, she was a gentlewoman in the King's private rooms. Soon after, she married a fellow courtier. She served in the households of Queen Jane Seymour and Queen Catherine Howard.

A Trip to Portsmouth

In August 1540, Elizabeth and other ladies from the court visited Portsmouth. They went to see a new ship that had just been built. They sent King Henry VIII a letter together. Many important ladies signed it, including Elizabeth Tyrwhitt.

Friendship with Queen Catherine Parr

Elizabeth became a lady-in-waiting and a close friend to Queen Catherine Parr. They were related through marriage. They also shared similar Protestant religious beliefs. However, Elizabeth faced difficulties because of her connection to Anne Askew, who was in trouble with the King. In 1546, Elizabeth and others in Catherine's household were arrested by the King. After King Henry VIII died, Elizabeth continued to serve Queen Catherine. She was with Catherine when she passed away in 1549.

Life After the Queen

After Catherine Parr's death, there was a scandal involving Catherine's husband, Thomas Seymour, and the future Queen Elizabeth I of England. Elizabeth Tyrwhitt gave information about what she had seen. For a short time, she was put in charge of Princess Elizabeth.

Later Life and Burial

After these events, Elizabeth lived a more private life. She died at her home in Clerkenwell in 1578. She was buried in the church of St Mary the Virgin in Leighton Bromswold. You can still see her tomb there today. It shows her, her husband, and their daughter.

Writings

Elizabeth Tyrwhitt wrote a book called Morning and Evening Praiers, with Divers Psalmes Himnes and Meditations. It was published in 1574. One copy of her book belonged to Queen Elizabeth I. This copy also includes prayers written by Queen Catherine Parr.

Family

Between 1538 and 1539, Elizabeth married Sir Robert Tyrwhitt. He was also a courtier. This was his second marriage. They lived at Leighton Bromswold. Elizabeth and Robert had one daughter named Catherine. Catherine passed away in 1567. She had married Sir Henry Darcy.

Images for kids

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  Tomb of Elizabeth Tyrwhitt, her husband, and daughter in Leighton Bromswold.