Lady Barbara FitzRoy facts for kids

Lady Barbara FitzRoy (born July 16, 1672 – died May 6, 1737) was the youngest child of Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland. Her mother was a close friend of Charles II of England. However, King Charles II never officially said Barbara was his daughter. Many people believed he was not her father. Later in life, Barbara became a Benedictine nun, and she was known as Sister Benedite.

Growing Up

Barbara and her mother, painted by Thomas Pooley.

Barbara was born in London, England, on July 16, 1672. She was born at Cleveland House. Around the time she was born, another woman, Louise de Kérouaille, was becoming the King's main companion.

Even though Barbara's mother insisted King Charles was the father, many believed someone else was. It is thought that either John Churchill or Lord Chesterfield was her true father. Some said she looked like Lord Chesterfield. A writer named Boyer mentioned that the King never claimed her as his daughter. He also wrote that a "great man" (likely John Churchill) was thought to be her father.

Interestingly, her mother's husband, Lord Castlemaine, believed Barbara was his daughter. He even left her his estate in his will. King Charles II always treated her as his child in public. But in private, he would say she was not his.

In 1677, Barbara and her mother were painted by Thomas Pooley. The painting shows them holding a basket of flowers. Barbara was five years old at the time. She is shown as a smiling child with blonde, curly hair.

Life in the Monastery

A memorial for Lady Barbara FitzRoy in Pontoise, France.

King Charles II passed away in 1685. In March 1691, when Barbara was eighteen, she had a son. His father was the Earl of Arran. Barbara named her son Charles Hamilton (1691–1754). He later became known as the Count of Arran.

After her son was born, Barbara decided to become a nun. She joined the English Priory of St. Nicholas. This priory was in Pontoise, Normandy, France. She took the name Sister Benedicta. In 1721, she became the leader of the priory, known as the prioress. Her son, Charles, was raised by her mother, the Duchess of Cleveland. It is said that her mother was upset with Barbara and disowned her.

Barbara wrote about her decision to become a nun. She signed her name as: Mon nom du monde est Barbe Fitz Roy est en Religion Benedite fille Du Roy De La grande Bretagne Charles 2dc j'ay fait profession dans Le Couuent des Benedictines Angloiscs De Pontoise L'annee 1691 Le 2* D'auril c'est maison est mittige.

This means: "My name in the world is Barbe Fitz Roy. In religion, it is Benedicta. I am the daughter of the King of Great Britain, Charles II. I became a nun at the Convent of the English Benedictines in Pontoise. This happened on April 2, 1691. This place is my home for penance."

Lady Barbara passed away at the monastery on May 6, 1737. She is buried in the church of the Priory.