Elizabeth Wriothesley, Countess of Southampton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elizabeth Wriothesley, Countess of Southampton
Portrait of Elizabeth Vernon (c. 1590–1600) attributed to Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger
Born	Elizabeth Vernon 11 January 1572
Died	23 November 1655(1655-11-23) (aged 83)
Nationality	English
Spouse(s)	Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton (m. 1598)
Children	4

Elizabeth Wriothesley (born Elizabeth Vernon) was an important lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I. She was known as the Countess of Southampton. Elizabeth was born on January 11, 1572, and she passed away on November 23, 1655. She played a role in the royal court during the later years of Queen Elizabeth's rule.

Elizabeth's Family Background

Elizabeth Vernon came from a well-known family. Her father was John Vernon of Hodnet, Shropshire. Her mother was Elizabeth Devereux. Elizabeth had a brother named Sir Robert Vernon. He worked for Queen Elizabeth I as the Comptroller of the Household. She also had a sister, Susan Vernon.

Elizabeth was also a first cousin to Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. Her family had connections to many important English noble families. This included the Earls of Huntingdon and the Dukes of Buckingham.

Her Marriage and Children

On August 30, 1598, Elizabeth married Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton. Their marriage happened quickly. When Queen Elizabeth I found out, she was not pleased. She had both Elizabeth and Henry sent to Fleet Prison for a short time. After they were released, the Queen never fully accepted them back into her favor.

Elizabeth and Henry had several children together:

• Lady Penelope Wriothesley (born 1598) married William Spencer, 2nd Baron Spencer. They had children.
• Lady Anne Wriothesley (born 1600) married Robert Wallop.
• James Wriothesley, Lord Wriothesley (1605–1624).
• Thomas Wriothesley (1607–1667) became the 4th Earl of Southampton. He married Rachel de Massue and had two daughters. One daughter was Rachel, Lady Russell.

Sadly, both Elizabeth's husband and her eldest son, James, died in November 1624. They became ill during a military trip to the Netherlands. Elizabeth lived to be 83 years old. She passed away in 1655.

Images for kids

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  Elizabeth, Countess of Southampton c. 1620

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  Elizabeth, Countess of Southampton, c. 1618