Jane Lumley, Baroness Lumley facts for kids
Jane Lumley, Baroness Lumley (born Jane Fitzalan; 1537 – 27 July 1578), was an important English noblewoman. She was the very first person to translate a play by the ancient Greek writer Euripides into English. This was a big achievement for her time!
Her Life and Family
Jane was the oldest child of Henry FitzAlan and his first wife, Katherine Grey. She had two younger siblings, Henry and Mary. Jane's father, Henry FitzAlan, was very keen on education. He made sure Jane and her sister Mary received an excellent education. Their family library, which later became known as the Lumley Library, was a key part of their learning.
Between 1550 and 1553, when Jane was about 12 to 15 years old, she married John Lumley. He was also a scholar and loved books, and he fully supported Jane's interest in writing and translating. Jane and John had three children, but sadly, all of them passed away when they were very young.
The couple first lived at Lumley Castle in Durham. Later, they moved to Nonsuch Palace to be with Jane's father. Jane passed away on 27 July 1578. She was buried in the Lumley Chapel in Cheam, which is in south London.
Her Amazing Learning and Work
Lady Lumley was known for her great knowledge and learning during her time. She translated parts of speeches by Isocrates, another ancient Greek writer, from Greek into Latin.
Her most famous work was translating Euripides's play Iphigeneia at Aulis. She translated it from the original Greek into English. Some historians think she might have used a Latin translation by Erasmus to help her.
Jane's handwritten translations were kept safe in her father's library. After her father passed away, her husband John Lumley added his own large collection of books to it. This combined library was later given to the Crown (the royal family) in 1609.
Lady Lumley's translation of Iphigenia is very important. It is the first known play written by a woman in English. It is also the first known translation of a classical play (from ancient Greece or Rome) into English by anyone!
Her Death and Burial
Lady Lumley died on 27 July 1578. In 1596, her husband, John, built a special tomb for her. This tomb is in the Lumley Chapel at St. Dunstan's parish church in Cheam. Jane Lumley and her three children were all buried there.
After Jane's death, her nephew, Philip Howard, became the only heir to the FitzAlan family's titles and large estates. This included the famous Arundel Castle. Philip received these estates after Jane's father, Henry, passed away in February 1580.
