Elizabeth Willoughby, 3rd Baroness Willoughby de Broke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elizabeth Willoughby
Effigies of Sir Fulke Greville and Elizabeth Willoughby, Alcester Church, Warwickshire.
Born	c.1512
Buried	15 November 1562 Alcester, Warwickshire
Noble family	Willoughby
Spouse(s)	Sir Fulke Greville
Issue	Sir Fulke Greville Robert Greville Sir Edward Greville Mary Greville Eleanor Greville Katherine Greville Blanche Greville Four other daughters
Father	Edward Willoughby
Mother	Margaret Neville

Elizabeth Willoughby, 3rd Baroness Willoughby de Broke (born around 1512 – died around November 15, 1562) was an important English noblewoman. She was known as the wife of Sir Fulke Greville.

Life Story

Elizabeth Willoughby was the oldest daughter of Edward Willoughby. Her family lived in Alcester, Warwickshire, and also in Powick. Her mother was Margaret Neville.

Elizabeth's father, Edward Willoughby, passed away in November 1517. Elizabeth was still a child at this time. In 1522, a powerful knight named Sir Edward Greville became her guardian. This meant he was in charge of her and her property until she grew up.

When Elizabeth's grandfather died in 1521, his special titles, called baronies, didn't go to one person right away. These titles were "on hold" between Elizabeth and her two younger sisters, Anne and Blanche. Later, the main title, Baroness Willoughby de Broke, officially went to Elizabeth. This happened because her sisters passed away without having children.

Elizabeth's Choice

Around 1526, Sir Edward Greville wanted Elizabeth to marry his oldest son, John. But Elizabeth had other ideas! She liked his second son, Sir Fulke Greville, much more.

Sir Edward told her that Fulke didn't have much land or money of his own. He also mentioned that Fulke was away serving in the King's army, so it was uncertain when he would return.

But Elizabeth was determined. She told Sir Edward that she had enough wealth for both of them. She also said she would pray for Fulke's safety and wait for him to come home.

Marriage and Family Life

When Fulke returned from his military service, he was honored by King Henry VIII and became a knight. Soon after, he married Elizabeth, just as she had wished.

In 1542 or 1543, Elizabeth's husband, Fulke Greville, was knighted by King Henry VIII. This was for his brave service in the army. He also held important positions in the government. For example, he was the High Sheriff of Warwickshire in 1543. This meant he was the chief law enforcement officer in the county. He was also a member of Parliament starting in 1547.

Fulke Greville helped put down a rebellion called the Pilgrimage of Grace. He also fought in battles against France in 1544. He built a new home for his family at Beauchamp's Court. He used stones from a nearby old building called Alcester Priory to build it.

Sir Fulke Greville passed away on November 10, 1559. Elizabeth died a few years later, around November 9, 1562. She was buried next to her husband.

After Elizabeth's death, her special title, Baroness Willoughby de Broke, went to her oldest son, Fulke Greville, 4th Baron Willoughby de Broke.

Family Members

Elizabeth Willoughby and Sir Fulke Greville had a large family with seven sons and eight daughters. Here are some of their children:

• Fulke Greville, 4th Baron Willoughby de Broke
• Robert Greville
• Sir Edward Greville, who married Jane Grey.
• Mary Greville, who married William Harris.
• Eleanor Greville, who married Sir John Conway.
• Katherine Greville (died 1611), who married Giles Reade. They had thirteen children.
• Blanche Greville.
• Five other sons.
• Four other daughters.