Frances Tyrrell facts for kids

Frances Tyrrel was an English courtier who lived in the 1600s. She was a daughter of Edward Tyrrell and Margaret Aston. Her sister, Bridget, married William Sanderson, a writer. Frances grew up in the royal household of Princess Elizabeth. Princess Elizabeth was the daughter of James VI and I, the King of England and Scotland, and Anne of Denmark.

Early Life and Royal Service

Frances Tyrrel was closely connected to the Harington family. This family was in charge of Princess Elizabeth at Coombe Abbey. Frances's uncle, Sir Charles Montagu, helped with this connection.

In 1613, Princess Elizabeth married Frederick V of the Palatinate. After their wedding, Frances traveled with them to Heidelberg, a city in Germany. She continued to serve Princess Elizabeth there.

The Ruby Buttons Mystery

In 1615, Frances Tyrrel left Elizabeth's service and went to London. King James, Elizabeth's father, found out that Frances had a set of 22 ruby buttons. These buttons had been given to her by Princess Elizabeth. The King wanted to know why.

Princess Elizabeth explained in a letter that she had given Frances the buttons as a reward for her good service. Elizabeth had received the buttons from her mother, Anne of Denmark, in 1603. They were a gift in exchange for a pearl necklace that Elizabeth's father had sent. Elizabeth believed the ruby buttons were worth about £300. She offered to take the buttons back and give Frances the money instead. George Calvert then returned the buttons to Heidelberg.

These ruby buttons might be the same ones shown in a portrait of Elizabeth by Robert Peake. They look like ruby flowers or knots. Some people think these rubies might have once belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary had similar sets of ruby buttons when she was young.

Marriage and Family Life

Frances Tyrrel later married Edward Broughton. He was from Marchweil, a place near Wrexham in Wales. Frances and Edward stayed in touch with Elizabeth and her friend, Elizabeth Dudley, Countess of Löwenstein.

The Countess of Löwenstein wrote to them, saying that Elizabeth of Bohemia trusted the people of Wales. She knew they were "honest and Brave Men." In 1632, the Countess apologized for not visiting Frances at Marchweil. Elizabeth herself also wrote that she had gently scolded the Countess for not visiting. In 1633, Lady Broughton, as Frances was then known, suggested her sister could serve Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth politely declined the offer.

Frances and Edward Broughton had eight children. One of their children was:

• Edward Broughton (who passed away in 1665)

Images for kids

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  In 1615 Princess Elizabeth gave Frances Tyrrell a set of ruby buttons, possibly depicted in this portrait by Robert Peake, National Maritime Museum