Jane Dormer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jane Dormer |
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| Duchess of Feria | |
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| Portrait thought to be of Jane Dormer, by Antonis Mor | |
| Spouse(s) | Gómez Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba, 1st Duke of Feria |
| Issue | |
| Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba | |
| Father | Sir William Dormer |
| Mother | Mary Sidney |
| Born | 6 January 1538 Eythrope, Buckinghamshire |
| Died | 13 January 1612 (aged 74) Spain |
| Burial | Monastery of Santa Clara, Zafra, Extremadura, Spain |
| Occupation | Lady-in-Waiting to Mary I of England |
Jane Dormer, Duchess of Feria (born January 6, 1538 – died January 13, 1612) was an important English noblewoman. She served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary I. After Queen Mary's death, Jane married Gómez Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba, 1st Duke of Feria. She then moved to Spain.
In Spain, Jane became a key figure for English Catholics who had left England. She kept in touch with Queen Elizabeth I through letters. She also wrote to people in England who supported the Catholic faith. Jane helped English exiles in Spain who were facing difficulties. When her husband died in 1571, she took charge of his large estates. Jane Dormer died in Spain on January 13, 1612. She was buried at the Santa Clara monastery in Zafra.
Jane's Early Life
Jane Dormer was born on January 6, 1538, in Eythrope, Buckinghamshire. Her father was Sir William Dormer. Her mother was Mary Sidney. Jane had two brothers, Thomas and Robert, and a sister, Anne.
Her family had different religious views during the English Reformation. Her father's family, the Dormers, were strong Catholics. However, her mother's family, the Sidneys, became Protestants. This shows how religion divided families in England at that time.
Marriage and Royal Connections
Jane's strong Catholic faith and her family's connections brought her close to the royal court. When she was just 16, Jane became a close friend and trusted helper to Queen Mary I. The Queen liked Jane so much that she did not want her to marry. She wanted Jane to stay at court.
However, Jane later married Don Gomez Suarez de Figueroa of Cordova, Duke of Feria. He was a close friend of King Philip II of Spain. He was also Spain's first ambassador to Queen Elizabeth I's court. Jane and Don Gomez first met in 1554. Queen Mary had encouraged their marriage. But it was delayed until after Queen Mary's death in 1558.
Jane and Don Gomez had two sons. Their first son, Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba, was born in 1559. He later became the Duke of Feria after his father. Their second son, Pedro, was born in 1565 but lived only three months.
The Duke of Feria quickly understood that Queen Elizabeth's rule would change religion in England. He refused to attend Elizabeth's coronation. This was a public way to show he did not agree with the expected Protestant changes. In 1559, Jane Dormer delivered some of Queen Mary's jewels to Queen Elizabeth I.
Life in Spain
In 1559, the Duke of Feria was replaced as ambassador. He and Jane then moved to Spain. They traveled with a group that included monks, nuns, her cousin Margaret Harington, and Susan Clarencieux. Susan was one of Queen Mary's former ladies-in-waiting.
Once in Spain, Jane became a central figure for English Catholics living in exile. She continued to write letters to Queen Elizabeth I. She also received letters from four different Popes. Jane kept in touch with many people who supported the Roman Catholic faith in England. In Spain, she was a strong helper for English exiles who were struggling.
After her husband died in 1571, Jane took over managing his large estates. The Spanish people respected her for her understanding of politics. In 1592, she was even considered for the important role of governor of Flanders.
Later Life and Death
The Duchess's health suffered after an accident in 1609. She was bedridden from early 1611. She had even prepared her own coffin and kept it in her house. Jane Dormer died on January 13, 1612. Seven priests were with her when she passed away. She was buried at the Santa Clara monastery in Zafra on January 26.
Her son, Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba, became the next Duke of Feria.
