Frances Newton, Baroness Cobham facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frances Newton
Born	1539
Died	17 October 1592
Spouse(s)	William Brooke, 10th Baron Cobham
Issue	Maximilian Brooke Henry Brooke, 11th Baron Cobham SirWilliam Brooke George Brooke Elizabeth Brooke Frances Brooke Margaret Brooke
Father	Sir John Newton
Mother	Margaret Poyntz

Frances Newton, Baroness Cobham (born 1539 – died 17 October 1592) was an important English noblewoman. She worked for Queen Elizabeth I of England as a Lady of the Bedchamber. This meant she was a close helper and friend to the Queen. Frances was the second wife of William Brooke, 10th Baron Cobham.

Frances's Family Background

Frances was born in 1539. She was one of 19 children! Her father was Sir John Newton, a Knight from Gloucestershire and Somerset. Her mother was Margaret Poyntz. The Newton family originally came from Wales.

Working for the Queen

Frances started working for Elizabeth Tudor even before Elizabeth became Queen. When Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth I, Frances continued to serve her. She became one of the Queen's Ladies of the Bedchamber. This was a special role for noblewomen who were close to the Queen. They helped her with daily life and were trusted friends. Later, Frances's sisters, Katherine and Nazareth, also worked for the Queen.

Marriage and Children

On 25 February 1560, Frances married William Brooke, 10th Baron Cobham in Westminster Palace, London. William had been married before, but his first wife had passed away. When Frances married William, she became known as Baroness Cobham. This was because her husband had inherited the title of Baron Cobham two years earlier.

Frances and William lived at Cobham Hall in Kent. Queen Elizabeth I visited them there twice. She came on 17 July 1560 and again on 4 September 1573. Frances was one of the Queen's closest friends. She often stayed at the royal court, but she would return to Cobham Hall to have her children.

Frances and William had seven children together:

• Maximilian Brooke (born 1560 – died 1583). He was their oldest son but passed away without having children.
• Elizabeth Brooke (born 1562 – died 1597). She married Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury. They had children together.
• Frances Brooke (born 1562). She married twice. Her first husband was John Stourton, 9th Baron Stourton. Her second husband was Sir Edward More.
• Margaret Brooke (born 1563 – died 1621). She married Sir Thomas Sondes. They had a daughter named Frances.
• Henry Brooke, 11th Baron Cobham (born 1564 – died 1619). He married Lady Frances Howard. They did not have children. He faced serious accusations during the reign of King James I.
• Sir William Brooke (born 1565 – died 1597).
• Sir George Brooke (born 1568 – died 1603). He married Elizabeth Burgh. They had a son named William and two daughters. He was involved in a serious political plot against King James I.

Death

Lady Cobham passed away on 17 October 1592. She died at her home, Cobham Hall, in Kent. She was buried in the Cobham Parish Church.

In Art

In 1567, Frances and her family were painted in a special portrait. It was called the Cobham family memorial portrait. The artist was known as the Master of the Countess of Warwick.

Images for kids

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  A memorial portrait of the Cobham family from 1567.