Katherine Stanhope, Countess of Chesterfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Countess of Chesterfield
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Katherine, Lady Stanhope by Anthony van Dyck
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| Born | 1609 Boughton Malherbe, Kent
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| Died | 9 April 1667 (age 58) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Courtier |
| Spouse(s) | (1) Henry Stanhope, Lord Stanhope (d. 1634) (2) Johan van der Kerckhove, Lord of Heenvliet (d. 1660) (3) Daniel O'Neill (d. 1664) |
| Children | Mary Stanhope (1629–1660) Catherine Stanhope (c.1633–1662) Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield (1634–1713) Charles van der Kerckhove, 1st Earl of Bellomont (1643–1683) Amelie van der Kerckhove (1646–1663) Dorothea Helena van der Kerckhove (d. 1703) |
| Parent(s) | Thomas Wotton, 2nd Baron Wotton (1587–1630) and Mary Throckmorton (d. 1658) |
Katherine Stanhope, Countess of Chesterfield (1609–1667) was an important English lady. She worked in the royal court. Katherine was a special helper and friend to Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange. She also made history as the first woman to be in charge of the mail service in England. This job was called the Postmaster General.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Katherine Stanhope was born in 1609. Her parents were Thomas Wotton, 2nd Baron Wotton and Mary Throckmorton. Mary was the daughter of Sir Arthur Throckmorton. Katherine was the older of their two daughters.
Working for the Royal Family
After Princess Mary married William in May 1641, Katherine went with them to Holland. She became the Princess Royal's governess. A governess is like a private teacher and caregiver. As Princess Mary grew up, Katherine became her close friend and trusted advisor.
Supporting the King
During the English Civil War, Katherine supported King Charles I. She also helped his son, King Charles II. People say she gave them money and political help. She was involved in many secret plans to help the King.
A Special Title
After her second husband, Heenvliet, died in 1660, King Charles II gave Katherine a special title. He made her the Countess of Chesterfield. This was to thank her for her loyalty and friendship. She continued to serve Princess Mary until the princess died in December 1660.
New Royal Roles
After Princess Mary's death, Katherine worked for Anne Hyde, Duchess of York. Later, in 1662, she joined the household of Queen Catherine of Braganza. Queen Catherine was the wife of King Charles II.
First Woman Postmaster General
In 1662, Katherine married her friend Daniel O'Neill. He was also a Royalist who supported the King. Daniel O'Neill held the important job of Postmaster General. When Daniel died in 1664, Katherine inherited his job. This made her the first woman to hold this powerful position in England. She also became very wealthy.
Katherine's Marriages
Katherine Stanhope was married three times during her life.
- Firstly, in 1628, she married Henry Stanhope, Lord Stanhope. He was the second son of Philip Stanhope, 1st Earl of Chesterfield. They had two daughters and one son:
* Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield: He later became the Earl of Chesterfield in 1656. * Mary Stanhope * Catherine Stanhope
- Secondly, in early 1641, she married Jehan van der Kerckhove. He was known as Lord of Heenvliet. He was a Dutch diplomat who helped arrange the marriage between William II, Prince of Orange and Princess Mary. William and Mary later became the parents of King William III of England.
- Thirdly, in 1662, she married Daniel O'Neill. He was the Postmaster General and a supporter of the King during the Civil War.
Her Final Years
Katherine Stanhope passed away in 1667. She died from a medical condition called an edema. She was buried on her father's estate.
