Kat Ashley facts for kids
Katherine Ashley, also known as Kat Ashley, was a very important person in the life of Queen Elizabeth I of England. She was Elizabeth's first close friend, her teacher (governess), and later a trusted lady-in-waiting. Kat was born around 1502 and passed away on July 18, 1565.
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Who Was Katherine Ashley?
Katherine Champernowne, or Kat, was born into the Champernowne family. Her exact parents are not fully known, but she came from a respected family.
Becoming a Royal Governess
After Prince Edward was born, Elizabeth's first teacher, Lady Margaret Bryan, moved to care for him. Elizabeth was then looked after by Lady Troy until 1545.
In July 1536, Katherine Champernowne joined Elizabeth's household as a gentlewoman. In 1537, when Elizabeth was four years old, Katherine became her third governess. A governess is a private teacher who lives with and teaches children in their home.
Kat taught young Elizabeth many things. She taught her how to be polite and respectful to older people. She also taught her skills like needlework, embroidery, dancing, and riding. By the age of six, Elizabeth was skilled enough to sew a beautiful shirt for her younger half-brother.
Katherine was very well educated herself. She taught Elizabeth subjects like mathematics, geography, astronomy, history, French, Italian, Flemish, and Spanish. Elizabeth later praised Kat, saying she worked very hard to teach her "learning and honesty."
Life as a Lady-in-Waiting
In 1543, King Henry VIII married Catherine Parr. This marriage brought more stability to Elizabeth's life. It also restored her right to become queen and brought her household to the royal court.
In 1545, Katherine married John Ashley. He was a senior gentleman in Elizabeth's household and a cousin of Anne Boleyn. Katherine was over 40 years old when she married.
King Henry VIII died in 1547. His son, Edward VI, became king. Edward's uncles, Edward and Thomas Seymour, tried to gain power over him.
Soon after Henry VIII died, Thomas Seymour tried to marry either Princess Mary or Princess Elizabeth, but he was not allowed. Seymour then quickly married Catherine Parr, who had been romantically linked to him before she became queen. Catherine Parr agreed to marry Seymour just two months after the king's death. She was able to bring young Elizabeth to her new home in Chelsea, London, with Kat as Elizabeth's Chief Gentlewoman.
Thomas Seymour began to act inappropriately towards the 14-year-old Elizabeth. At first, Kat thought it was amusing. However, she became concerned when he entered Elizabeth's bedroom in the morning in his nightshirt. He tried to tickle her while she was still in bed. Kat advised Catherine Parr about this behavior.
There was a serious incident where Kat said Catherine Parr caught Elizabeth in Seymour's arms. Both Catherine and Kat then spoke to Elizabeth about the importance of protecting her reputation. Soon after, Elizabeth and her household moved to Hatfield House.
Catherine Parr died after childbirth in September 1548. Kat tried to convince Elizabeth to write to Thomas Seymour to comfort him. But Elizabeth said he wasn't sad enough to need comfort. Thomas then tried again to marry Elizabeth.
Trouble and Loyalty
Rumors about Thomas Seymour's behavior towards Elizabeth began to spread in 1548. On January 21, 1549, Katherine Ashley was arrested and taken to the Tower. People thought she might have been involved in Seymour's plans.
Katherine told her story. She was found to have done nothing against the country. She was released thirteen days before Thomas Seymour was executed. Even though she was questioned in detail, Katherine did not say anything to suggest Elizabeth was involved in Seymour's schemes. While Katherine was in prison, Blanche Parry became Elizabeth's Chief Gentlewoman.
By August 1549, Katherine had returned to Hatfield and stayed with Elizabeth. She remained with Elizabeth until Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower by Queen Mary I in 1554. Katherine was allowed to rejoin Elizabeth in October 1555. However, she was arrested again in May 1556 after some rebellious books were found. She spent three months in Fleet Prison. After her release, she was forbidden to see Elizabeth again.
A Queen's Favorite Friend
After Mary I died in 1558, Elizabeth became Queen of England. Katherine was appointed First Lady of the Bedchamber. This was a very important position. Her husband, John Ashley, was appointed Master of the Jewel Office.
Katherine became very influential. She was a key person for the Queen to get information from. Nobles would also ask her to help them get favors from the Queen. She helped to create a strong group of nobles who supported the Queen. This helped Elizabeth stay in control of her government for most of her reign.
In May 1561, Queen Elizabeth gave Katherine a gift of an old French velvet gown. In 1562, she was given a pewter doll for a young woman named Ippolyta the Tartarian, who had come from Russia.
Katherine passed away peacefully in the summer of 1565. She was possibly around 63 years old. Queen Elizabeth was very sad about her death. Her dear friend was not at court when she died. Blanche Parry took over her role as Chief Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber. When Elizabeth was on her own deathbed years later, she often visited Kat's grave and truly mourned her friend.
Images for kids
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Arms of Champernowne: Gules, a saltire vair between twelve billets or
