Elizabeth Wray, 3rd Baroness Norreys of Rycote facts for kids

Elizabeth Norris, 3rd Baroness Norreys of Rycote (born around 1603 – died November 1645) was an important English noblewoman. She held the title of Baroness Norreys of Rycote in her own right, meaning she inherited it herself, not through her husband.

Elizabeth was married to Edward Wray, who was a Groom of the Bedchamber, a special helper to King James I of England. In 1622, Elizabeth and Edward ran away and got married without the King's permission. This made the King very unhappy because Elizabeth was his ward, meaning she was under his care. It is believed that their elopement even inspired the famous composer Orlando Gibbons to write some of his music, called Fantazies.

Elizabeth's Family Background

Elizabeth was born around the year 1603. She was the only child of Francis Norris, 1st Earl of Berkshire. Her mother was Bridget de Vere. Bridget was the daughter of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford.

Elizabeth had an aunt named Elizabeth de Vere, Countess of Derby. This aunt was also the Lord of Mann, a special title for the ruler of the Isle of Man. Elizabeth also had another aunt, Lady Susan de Vere.

The Elopement Story

In 1621, a man named Edward Wray began to spend time with Elizabeth. Edward was a royal attendant, a Groom of the Bedchamber, to King James.

Elizabeth's father, Francis Norris, had lost his lands to the King. Because of this, Elizabeth became the King's ward. This meant the King was in charge of her and her future. Elizabeth also gained the title of Baroness Norreys of Rycote in her own right.

The King wanted Elizabeth to marry Christopher Villiers. Christopher was the brother of the King's very close friend and advisor, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham.

However, Elizabeth had other plans. She was staying with her aunt and uncle, the Herberts. From their home, Elizabeth ran away with Edward Wray on March 27, 1622.

They were married at a church called St Mary Aldermary's. After the wedding, Elizabeth was worried about the King's anger. She went to the house of her half-uncle, Henry de Vere, 18th Earl of Oxford, for safety.

When the King found out about their secret marriage, he was very angry. Edward Wray was placed under house arrest until February 1623. He also lost his job at the King's court. Elizabeth's uncle, the Earl of Oxford, was even sent to the Tower of London. People said that Elizabeth and Edward's elopement was the reason composer Orlando Gibbons wrote his Fantazies.

Children and Future Generations

Eventually, Elizabeth and her husband, Edward Wray, were able to be together again. They had one daughter named Bridget Wray. Bridget was born on May 12, 1627, and she passed away in March 1657.

Bridget followed in her mother's footsteps. She became the Baroness Norreys of Rycote in her own right after Elizabeth. Bridget married Montagu Bertie, 2nd Earl of Lindsey. They had children together. One of their children was James Bertie, 1st Earl of Abingdon, who also became the 5th Baron Norreys of Rycote.

Elizabeth Norris passed away in November 1645. She was about 42 years old. She was buried on November 28, 1645.