Frances Cecil, Countess of Exeter (died 1669) facts for kids
Frances Cecil, Countess of Exeter (born December 2, 1630 – died December 2, 1669) was an important lady in English history. She was also known as Lady Frances Manners before she got married. Frances became the first wife of John Cecil, 4th Earl of Exeter.
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Her Family Background
Frances was the daughter of John Manners, 8th Earl of Rutland, and his wife, Frances Montagu. Her family was quite well-known!
Sisters Who Became Countesses
Frances had several sisters who also married into noble families and became countesses, just like her. These included:
Another sister, Anne, became a Viscountess.
Marriage and Children
Frances Manners married John Cecil, 4th Earl of Exeter on December 8, 1646. They had several children together, but only two lived past infancy.
Their Surviving Children
The two children who grew up were:
- John Cecil, 5th Earl of Exeter (born around 1648 – died 1700)
- Lady Frances Cecil (born 1652 – died 1694), who later married John Scudamore, 2nd Viscount Scudamore.
A Glimpse of Her Life
A small portrait of Frances, called a miniature, was painted around 1646. This was the same year she got married! The artist was Samuel Cooper, a famous painter of miniatures. This special portrait is now kept at Burghley House.
When Did She Pass Away?
Some old records suggest Frances died in 1660. However, the church records from St Martin's Church, Stamford, clearly show she was buried in December 1669. This means she lived longer than some people thought. A few weeks after Frances passed away, her husband, the Earl, married again to Lady Mary Fane.
