Henrietta Hyde, Countess of Rochester facts for kids
Henrietta Hyde, Countess of Rochester (born Henrietta Boyle; 1646 – 12 April 1687) was an important noblewoman from England and Ireland. She was one of the famous "Windsor Beauties" whose portraits were painted by the well-known artist Sir Peter Lely.
About Henrietta's Life
Henrietta Boyle was born in Wiltshire, England. Her parents were Sir Richard Boyle, 2nd Earl of Cork, and Elizabeth Boyle, Countess of Cork.
In 1665, Henrietta married Laurence Hyde, 1st Earl of Rochester. He later became an Earl. His father was Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon. Henrietta and Laurence had four children together.
In November 1677, Henrietta was chosen for an important job. She became the governess for the children of the Duke of York. A governess was someone who taught and cared for children in a noble family.
Henrietta was known for being strong-willed and determined. She made sure her rights were respected. When her husband became a very powerful advisor to King James II of England, Henrietta used her position to gain many advantages. She even had a big disagreement with her husband's niece, who would later become Anne, Queen of Great Britain. They argued over who should have the best rooms in Whitehall Palace. Queen Anne complained that her aunt Henrietta was "peevish," meaning she was often grumpy or easily annoyed.
Henrietta's Children
Henrietta and Laurence Hyde had four children:
- Lady Anne Hyde (died 1685). She married James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde.
- Lady Mary Hyde (1669-1709). She married Francis Seymour-Conway, 1st Baron Conway.
- Henry Hyde, 4th Earl of Clarendon (around 1672 – 1753).
- Lady Henrietta Hyde (around 1677 – 1730). She married James Scott, Earl of Dalkeith.
Both Anne and the younger Henrietta were known for being clever and charming. Anne's early death was a sad event for her family and friends. Her sister, Lady Dalkeith, even after facing many personal difficulties, was said to keep her kind nature and charm into her fifties.
