Lady Lucy Herbert facts for kids
Lady Lucy Herbert (1669 – 19 January 1744) was an English noblewoman who became a special kind of nun called a canoness regular in Flanders. She also wrote books to help people with their faith.
Lady Lucy's Early Life
Lucy Herbert was born in 1669. She was the fourth daughter of William Herbert, 1st Marquis of Powis. Her father was a very important Catholic leader in England. Her mother was Elizabeth Somerset.
Life as a Nun
When Lucy was around 21 years old, she left England. She traveled to a place called the Spanish Netherlands, which is now part of Belgium. There, she joined a special religious community in Bruges. This community was for English women who wanted to live as Augustinian canonesses.
In 1693, Lucy made her official promises to the community. This meant she became a full member of the group of nuns. Later, in 1709, the other nuns chose her to be their leader. This important role was called the prioress.
Under Lady Lucy's leadership, the convent grew. More women joined the community. She also made many improvements to their home. She brought a beautiful marble altar all the way from Rome. She also helped build a house for the chaplain and rebuilt parts of their church.
Lady Lucy Herbert passed away in Bruges in 1744.
Her Writings
Lady Lucy Herbert wrote books to guide people in their religious life. These books were called "devotional writings." They helped people understand how to pray and live a life of faith.
Her most famous works include:
- 'Several excellent Methods of hearing Mass'
- 'Several Methods and Practices of Devotions appertaining to a Religious Life'
These writings were later collected and published together in a book called The Devotions of the Lady Lucy Herbert of Powis.
