Katherine Clifton, 2nd Baroness Clifton facts for kids

Arms of Clifton of Clifton, Nottinghamshire (Baron Clifton of Leighton Bromswold): Sable semée of cinquefoils and a lion rampant argent

Katherine Clifton, 2nd Baroness Clifton (born around 1592 – died 1637), was an important noblewoman from England and Scotland. She held the title of Baroness Clifton in her own right. During her life, she was also known as the Countess of March, then the Duchess of Lennox, and later the Countess of Abercorn through her marriages.

Her Early Life and Family

Katherine was born in England around 1592. Her parents were Gervase Clifton and Katherine Darcy. Her father was a knight who later became the 1st Baron Clifton of Leighton Bromswold in England. Her mother, Katherine Darcy, was the only child of Sir Henry Darcy. Katherine's parents married in June 1591. Sadly, her brother passed away in 1602. This meant Katherine became the only surviving child and heir to her parents' lands, including the manor of Leighton Bromswold.

How She Became a Baroness

On July 9, 1608, Katherine's father was called to Parliament. This act made him a baron. This type of barony, called a "barony by writ," was special because it could be passed down to a daughter if there were no sons. After her father passed away, Katherine, being his only surviving child, inherited his title. This is how she became the Baroness Clifton in her own right.

Her First Marriage and Children

Katherine Clifton was married twice. In 1609, when she was about 17 years old, she married her first husband, Lord Esmé Stewart. He was a younger son of the 1st Duke of Lennox from Scotland. In 1619, Lord Esmé Stewart was given the title of Earl of March.

Katherine and Esmé had eleven children together:

1. Elizabeth (1610–1674), who married Henry Howard, 22nd Earl of Arundel;
2. James (1612–1655), who later became the 4th Duke of Lennox;
3. Lady Anne Stewart (1614–1646), who married Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus;
4. Henry (1616–1632);
5. Francis (1616–1617);
6. Lady Frances (1617–1694), who married Jerome Weston, 2nd Earl of Portland;
7. Margaret (1618–1618), who died very young;
8. George (1618–1642);
9. Ludovic (1619–1665);
10. Lord John (1621–1644); and
11. Lord Bernard (1623–1645).

In 1624, Esmé's brother, the 2nd Duke of Lennox, died without any children who could inherit his title. This meant Katherine's husband, Esmé, became the Duke of Lennox, and Katherine became the Duchess. However, he was Duke for less than a year. He passed away on July 30, 1624. Their oldest son, James, then inherited the title.

Her Second Marriage

Around 1627, Katherine married for the second time. Her second husband was The 2nd Earl of Abercorn.

Katherine and James had three children:

1. James (born around 1635 – died before 1670), who was expected to inherit his father's title but passed away before him;
2. William (died before 1670), who became a colonel but also passed away before his father; and
3. George (born around 1636 – died before 1683), who became the 3rd Earl of Abercorn but died unmarried.

Religious Differences

Katherine and her second husband were Catholic. At that time, the main church in Scotland was Presbyterian, and people who were Catholic faced difficulties. Because of her faith, Katherine was formally excluded from the Church of Scotland by the Synod of Paisley on February 3, 1628.

Her Death

Katherine Clifton passed away in Scotland in 1637. Because she was Catholic, her burial was a simple one, without a big ceremony. Her oldest son from her first marriage, James, inherited her title of Baron Clifton. He also held the titles he had inherited from his father.