Frances Southwell facts for kids
Frances Southwell was an English lady who worked at the royal court in the 1600s. She was born to Sir Robert Southwell and Elizabeth Howard. Frances passed away in 1659.
Life at Court
Frances Southwell worked for Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen of England and Scotland. Frances was a 'gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber.' This meant she helped the Queen with personal duties. Her sisters, Elizabeth and Katherine, also worked for the Queen.
In 1612, a sad event happened: Prince Henry, the Queen's son, died. Frances and Katherine received special clothes to wear for mourning.
A writer named Christopher Sutton dedicated his book, Disce Mori, to Frances's mother in 1600. Later, in 1613, he dedicated another edition to Frances and Katherine. He praised them as 'virtuous modest gentlewomen' who served the Queen.
Marriage and Family
In 1614, Frances married Edward Rodney at Denmark House. He was from Rodney Stoke in Somerset. The Queen, Anne of Denmark, had visited Rodney Stoke the year before, in 1613. This was during her trip to the city of Bath.
The Earl of Rutland gave Frances and Edward a special wedding gift. It was a fancy gilt bowl and cover.
Frances and Edward had several children. These included:
- George Rodney (born 1629, died 1651)
- Penelope Rodney, who married Peter Glenne
- Anne Rodney, who married Sir Thomas Brydges. She was the mother of George Rodney Brydges.
- Elizabeth Rodney (died 1683), who married Charles Howard
Later Life and Burial
Frances Southwell died in 1659. She was buried at the Church of St Leonard, Rodney Stoke. There is a special monument on the wall there. It shows portraits of Frances and her husband, Edward, carved in stone.
