Flower Backhouse, Countess of Clarendon facts for kids
Flower Backhouse was an important English court official who lived a long time ago. She was known for being the First Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Anne. This was a very close and trusted position in the royal court. From 1670 until her death, she also held the title of Countess of Clarendon.
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Life and Marriages
Flower Backhouse was the daughter of a man named William Backhouse. Some records say her mother was Ann Richards.
She was married three times during her life. Her first marriage was to William Bishop of South Warnborough before 1662. After he passed away, she married her father's cousin, Sir William Backhouse, in London in 1662. Sir William died in 1669.
Her third marriage was to Henry Hyde, Lord Cornbury, on October 19, 1670. This marriage was important because it brought the beautiful manor and house of Swallowfield Park in Berkshire into their family. Henry Hyde became the Earl of Clarendon in 1676.
Role at Court
Henry Hyde, Flower's third husband, was the brother of Queen Anne's mother, Anne Hyde. This family connection helped Flower Backhouse become the First Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Anne. This role meant she was a close companion and assistant to the Queen.
However, Flower Backhouse had a difficult relationship with Queen Anne's closest friend, Sarah Churchill. Sarah Churchill reportedly called Flower "the madwoman." It's thought that Sarah Churchill's dislike might have caused Queen Anne to also feel less fond of Flower Backhouse over time.
Flower Backhouse passed away on July 17, 1700.
