Frances Hyde, Countess of Clarendon facts for kids

Frances Hyde, Countess of Clarendon (born Aylesbury; August 25, 1617 – August 8, 1667), was an important English noblewoman. She became famous as the mother of Anne Hyde. This made Frances the mother-in-law of James II and VII, who later became the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Frances was also the grandmother of two future queens, Queen Mary II and Queen Anne.

Early Life and Family

Frances Aylesbury was the daughter of Sir Thomas Aylesbury, 1st Baronet, and his wife, Anne Denman. She was their only surviving child and inherited their family's wealth. Her brother was William Aylesbury, who was known as a translator.

Her Marriage and Children

On July 10, 1634, Frances married Edward Hyde. He was a very important figure in English politics. Edward Hyde later became a baron in 1660 and an earl in 1661. He served as the Lord Chancellor of England from 1658 to 1667, which was a top legal and political job.

Frances and Edward had six children together. Their most famous child was Lady Anne (1637–1671). Anne married King James II/VII in 1659. Anne and James had several children, including two who would later become queens:

• Mary II of England (born April 30, 1662, died December 28, 1694)
• Anne, Queen of Great Britain (born February 6, 1664/65, died August 1, 1714)

Sadly, many of Anne's other children passed away when they were very young.

Frances and Edward's other children included:

• Henry (1638–1709), who became the 2nd Earl of Clarendon.
• Laurence (1641–1711), who became the 1st Earl of Rochester.
• Edward (1645–1665), who died young.
• James, who also died young.
• Lady Frances, who married Thomas Keightley.

A Loving Wife and Mother

Frances Hyde was known for her strong character and loving nature. Her husband, Edward Hyde, wrote about her in his personal writings. Their letters show they had a very close and caring marriage. Their bond was so strong it survived a four-year separation during the English Civil War, a major conflict in England.

Edward Hyde deeply valued Frances. In his will, written in 1666, he described her as "my dearly beloved wife." He praised her for supporting him through all his difficulties with great strength and courage. He felt she deserved much more from him than he could ever repay.

When Frances became seriously ill, the diplomat Henry Coventry was involved in important peace talks. He wrote that the news made him "very unfit for the business." After her death, he sent a heartfelt message to her husband, expressing his deep sadness. These tributes show how much Frances was respected and loved by those around her.

Resting Place

Frances Hyde passed away at the age of 49 on August 8, 1667. She was laid to rest in the Hyde Vault within the famous Westminster Abbey in London. Her husband, Edward Hyde, survived her by 13 years and was later buried beside her. Frances's mother, Anne Denman, is also buried in the same family vault.

In Books and Stories

Frances Hyde appears as a character in The Piccadilly Plot. This is the seventh book in the Thomas Chaloner mystery series by Susanna Gregory.

She is also mentioned in the historical novel The King's Evil by Andrew Taylor, which was published in 2019.