Elizabeth Wolley facts for kids

Elizabeth Wolley (born Elizabeth More) lived from 1552 to 1600. She was an important lady in Queen Elizabeth I's court, working in the Queen's private rooms called the Privy Chamber. Elizabeth was the oldest daughter of Sir William More from Loseley, Surrey. She married two important men: Sir John Wolley, who was the Queen's Latin secretary, and later, Thomas Egerton, 1st Viscount Brackley, who became the Queen's top legal advisor, the Lord Chancellor.

Early Life and Family

Loseley House, the home of Elizabeth Wolley's father, Sir William More.

Elizabeth More was born on April 28, 1552, in London. She was the oldest of three children. Her father was Sir William More of Loseley, Surrey. Her mother was Margaret Daniell. Elizabeth was baptized on May 1, 1552.

She had a younger brother, Sir George More. She also had a younger sister, Anne More, who later married Sir George Mainwaring.

Life at Court

On November 3, 1567, when Elizabeth was fifteen, she married Richard Polsted. He was the son of Henry Polsted of Albury, Surrey. Their wedding celebrations were a big social event in London. Many important people gave them gifts, including Sir William Cecil.

Richard Polsted passed away on March 31, 1576. After his death, Elizabeth was sought after by several men. She then married John Wolley before July 3, 1577. John Wolley was a close friend of Elizabeth's father and worked for the Queen.

Elizabeth Wolley served for many years as one of the ladies in Queen Elizabeth I's Privy Chamber. This was a special group of ladies who attended to the Queen personally. The Queen thought highly of Elizabeth. In 1581, her husband wrote that the Queen was "exceeding sorrye for my wives sicknesse." She even said she "would not lose her swete aple for all the gold in the world."

Elizabeth and John Wolley had one son, Francis Wolley. When Francis was christened on April 4, 1583, Queen Elizabeth I herself was his godmother. This showed how much the Queen liked Elizabeth Wolley.

Elizabeth often exchanged New Year's gifts with the Queen. She also attended the Queen at events like hawking. In 1595, she went hawking with Sir Robert Cecil. They caught three partridges, which Elizabeth sent to her father. She also wrote to her father, asking him to make sure her son learned French. She believed this would impress the Queen.

Elizabeth Wolley's second husband, Sir John Wolley, died in 1596. About a year and a half later, in October 1597, she married Lord Chancellor Egerton. He was a very powerful legal advisor to the Queen.

Elizabeth Wolley passed away in January 1600. Years later, in 1614, her body was moved. She was reburied with her second husband, Sir John Wolley, and their son, Sir Francis Wolley. They were laid to rest in Old St Paul's Cathedral. A grand monument was built there to remember them. Elizabeth is also shown on a monument to her parents in St Nicolas' Church, Guildford.

Some of Elizabeth Wolley's letters are still kept today. They are part of the Loseley manuscripts.