Helena Snakenborg, Marchioness of Northampton facts for kids
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Elin Ulfsdotter Snakenborg, also known as Helena, was a Swedish noblewoman. She was born in 1548 or 1549. People sometimes called her Helena the Red because of her red hair. She became a Maid of Honour for Queen Elizabeth I of England. Later, she married William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton and became the Marchioness of Northampton.
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Helena's Early Life and Family
Helena was born in Sweden. Her full name was Elin Ulfsdotter of Fyllingarum. Her father, Ulf Henriksson, was a lord. Her mother was Agneta Knutsdotter. Helena was known for being very beautiful. She had large brown eyes, red hair, and a lovely complexion. She was also described as strong-willed and independent. Helena had two brothers and three sisters.
Journey to England and Royal Welcome
Helena was one of six young Swedish noble ladies. They were maids of honour to Princess Cecilia of Sweden. Princess Cecilia was King Gustav I's daughter. In 1564, they traveled to England. Queen Elizabeth I had invited them. People thought Cecilia might try to arrange a marriage. Her half-brother, King Eric XIV of Sweden, wanted to marry Queen Elizabeth.
Their journey was very long and difficult. They could not go through Denmark-Norway. This was because Denmark-Norway was unfriendly to Sweden. So, they traveled through many countries by land. These included Finland, Poland, and Germany. The trip took almost a year. They finally arrived in Dover, England, on September 8, 1565. Princess Cecilia was very pregnant at the time.
Sir William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton, welcomed them. He was the brother of the late Queen Catherine Parr.
Life as a Marchioness
In London, Helena and her group stayed at Bedford House. Many important English nobles greeted them. Queen Elizabeth herself met the party. Helena Snakenborg quickly caught the eye of Lord Northampton. He was 52 years old and began to court her.
Princess Cecilia left England in April 1566. She needed to escape people she owed money to. Helena, however, stayed in England. She became one of Queen Elizabeth I's maids of honour. Helena remained in England for the rest of her life. She was given special privileges. These included her own rooms at Hampton Court Palace. She also had servants and a horse.
Lord Northampton wanted to marry Helena. But there was a problem. His first wife, Anne Bourchier, was still alive. They had divorced in 1552. The Church of England did not allow remarriage if a former spouse was still living. Anne Bourchier died in 1571. Lord Northampton then married Helena very quickly. Queen Elizabeth approved of their marriage.
The wedding happened in May 1571. Queen Elizabeth was there. They lived in Guildford, Surrey, and Stanstead Hall, Essex. Helena and Lord Northampton did not have any children. Lord Northampton died suddenly in October 1571. Helena received a large amount of money and property. In 1574, the Queen gave her the manor of Hemingford Grey.
Helena's Second Marriage and Family Life
Helena's second husband was Thomas Gorges. He was a relative of Anne Boleyn. Queen Elizabeth first liked the idea of Thomas and Helena marrying. But then she changed her mind. Helena was a marchioness and related to the Queen. Thomas was only a gentleman. The Queen refused to give her permission.
Helena and Thomas secretly married around 1576. When Queen Elizabeth found out, she was very angry. Helena was sent away from the court. Thomas was put in the Tower of London for a short time. But Helena was later allowed to return. Her friend, Lord Chamberlain Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, may have helped her.
Helena and Thomas had eight children who grew up. Their first child, Elizabeth, was born in 1578. She was named after the Queen, who was her godmother. Their first son, Francis, was possibly named after Sir Francis Drake. They also had two more daughters, Frances and Bridget. They had four more sons: Edward, Theobald, Robert, and Thomas. All their sons later became knights.
The family lived in London at Whitefriars. Helena convinced Thomas to rebuild his home at Longford. The old house had been damaged by fire. A new, grand house was finished by 1591. This new home, Longford Castle, was very impressive. Thomas Gorges was made a knight in 1586.
Queen Elizabeth gave Helena land in Huntingdonshire and Wiltshire. The Queen still respected Helena very much. Helena often represented the Queen at important events. This was especially true later in the Queen's reign.
In 1582, Thomas went to Sweden as an English representative. He met Helena's family there. Helena also wrote letters to her relatives in Sweden. She also kept in touch with Duke Charles of Sudermannia. He was a childhood friend and later became King Charles IX.
In 1584, the Queen gave Helena and Thomas the estate at Sheen Priory. This was a former monastery. It was close to the Queen's home, Richmond Palace. This allowed Helena and Thomas to live with their children. They could also continue to serve at the Royal Court.
Later Years and Legacy
Queen Elizabeth died in March 1603. Marchioness Helena was the main mourner at the royal funeral. She walked right behind the Queen's coffin. This was a very important moment in her life. In July 1603, Helena and Thomas attended the coronation of the new king, James I of England. Soon after, they moved to Longford to avoid the plague in London. In 1604, Helena sent a fashion doll to her sister in Sweden. The doll showed the latest London styles.
When King James I became king, Helena's role at court changed. But she and Thomas still served the new King and Queen. Helena helped with relations between England and Sweden. For example, Sweden wanted King James's daughter, Princess Elizabeth, to marry the Swedish heir. But the Queen, Anne of Denmark, stopped this plan. Sir Thomas Gorges died in March 1610. After his death, Helena spent less time in public life.
She remained a dedicated member of the Church of England. She mostly lived at her house in Sheen. Later, she moved to Redlynch in Somerset. This was her son Sir Robert Gorges' manor. Letters show that Helena stayed close to her children and grandchildren. Her last letter, from 1634, was signed with a shaky hand.
Helena died at 86 years old on April 10, 1635. She was buried in Salisbury Cathedral. It is said that Helena had 98 direct descendants when she died.
