Mary, Countess of Falmouth and Dorset facts for kids
Mary, Countess of Falmouth and Dorset (1645 – 1679) was an important lady at the British royal court. She was a close friend of King Charles II.
The King gave her gifts of land, including a place called Somerset House in London. He also gave her a regular payment called a state pension.
Mary Bagot: A Life at Court
Mary was a well-known figure during her time. She was one of the famous "Windsor Beauties" whose portraits were painted by the skilled artist Sir Peter Lely. These paintings showed the most admired women of the court.
Her portrait by Lely was sometimes mistakenly called "Elizabeth, Countess of Falmouth" or "Countess of Ossory" in old books. This error was repeated many times over the years.
Her Family and Marriages
Mary's parents were Colonel Henry Bagot and Dorothea Arden. They lived at Pipe Hall in Warwickshire, England.
Mary married for the first time in 1663. Her husband was Charles Berkeley, 1st Earl of Falmouth. Sadly, he died just two years later in 1665 during a naval battle called the Battle of Lowestoft.
She married again in June 1674. Her second husband was Charles Sackville, 6th Earl of Dorset. This was his first marriage.
Mary passed away on September 12, 1679.
