Margaret Bourchier, Countess of Bath facts for kids

Margaret Bourchier (born around 1509, died 1561) was an important English lady during the Tudor period. This was a time when kings and queens like Henry VIII of England and Elizabeth I of England ruled England. Margaret was known for marrying three powerful and wealthy men. She also did a great job helping her children marry into important families. Because of this, many noble families in England today can trace their family history back to her!

Margaret was the only child of John Donington and Elizabeth Pye. Her father was a member of the Worshipful Company of Salters, which was a group for important merchants. Margaret inherited a lot of property, including a grand house called Hengrave Hall in Suffolk. She put a special tomb and a stained glass window there to remember her three husbands, who all died before her. Margaret is buried in Hengrave Church.

Margaret's Marriages and Children

Margaret Bourchier had three marriages during her life. Each marriage helped her family become even more important and powerful.

First Marriage: Sir Thomas Kitson

Margaret's first marriage was to Sir Thomas Kitson. He was a very rich merchant and an important official called the Sheriff of London. They had five children together:

• Sir Thomas Kitson (1540–1603): He married twice. His daughters became ancestors of important families like the Dukes of Devonshire.
• Katherine Kitson: She married Sir John Spencer. Their children became ancestors of families like the Earls Spencer and the Dukes of Marlborough.
• Dorothy Kitson (1531–1577): She married Sir Thomas Pakington. They had four sons and three daughters.
• Frances Kitson: She married her step-brother, John Bourchier, Lord FitzWarin. Their son became the 3rd Earl of Bath.
• Anne Kitson: She married Sir William Spring. Their descendants include the Spring baronets.

Through this marriage, Margaret gained control of a lot of property, including Hengrave Hall.

Second Marriage: Sir Richard Long

Margaret married Sir Richard Long in 1540, just a few months after her first husband died. Sir Richard was a "courtier," meaning he worked for the King. They had four children:

• Jane Long (1541-1562)
• Mary Long (born 1543)
• Henry Long (1544-1573): He was even a godson of King Henry VIII of England! His daughter became an ancestor of the Dukes of Bedford.
• Catherine Long (born 1546): She married Edward Fisher in 1561.

Third Marriage: John Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Bath

Margaret's last marriage was to John Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Bath on December 11, 1548. After this marriage, Margaret was known as the Countess of Bath. Before the wedding, Margaret made sure that her daughter, Frances Kitson, would marry the Earl's son, Lord FitzWarin, at the same time. This was a clever way to connect the families even more! The marriage agreement also made sure that Margaret kept control over her own property and wealth.

The Earl and Countess of Bath made Hengrave Hall their main home. They had two daughters together:

• Lady Susanna Bourchier
• Lady Bridget Bourchier: She married Thomas Price.

Margaret Bourchier was a very successful woman for her time. She managed her wealth and family connections very well, making sure her children and grandchildren would have important places in English society.