Mary Arundell (courtier) facts for kids

Mary Arundell, Countess of Arundel (who died in October 1557), was an important English lady at court. She was the only child of Sir John Arundell from Cornwall. Mary served as a gentlewoman for King Henry VIII. She worked for two of his Queens and also for his daughter, Princess Mary. For a long time, people thought she was a very smart scholar. They believed she translated old texts. However, we now know these translations were actually done by her stepdaughter, Mary FitzAlan.

Mary's Family Background

Mary Arundell was the only child of Sir John Arundell (who lived from about 1474 to 1545). Her mother was Katherine Grenville. Sir John Arundell was a powerful and respected man. He was a Knight of the Bath and led soldiers in battles. He also held important jobs in Cornwall, like managing the Duchy of Cornwall.

Mary had several half-siblings from her father's first marriage. Her half-brother, Sir Thomas Arundell, was also an important figure. He married Margaret Howard, who was the sister of Queen Catherine Howard. Catherine Howard was King Henry VIII's fifth wife. This connection made Margaret a cousin of King Henry's second wife, Queen Anne Boleyn.

Life at Court and Her Career

Mary Arundell joined the royal court in 1536. She served two of King Henry VIII's Queens: Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves. She also served the King's daughter, who later became Queen Mary I.

Mary's half-brother, Sir Thomas Arundell, helped arrange her first marriage. He also tried to arrange a marriage for Mary's sister, Jane Arundell. Jane, however, never married. She also served Queen Mary I and later returned home.

For many years, people thought Mary Arundell was a very learned woman. They believed she translated ancient Greek and Roman writings. These writings included "Sayings and Doings of the Emperor Severus." But later, historians discovered this was not true. The translations were actually school exercises. They were written by her stepdaughter, Mary FitzAlan. Mary FitzAlan dedicated these works to her father, Henry FitzAlan, 19th Earl of Arundel. He was Mary Arundell's second husband.

One of these translations was even co-written. It was done by Mary FitzAlan and Mary Arundell's son, Sir John Radcliffe.

Mary Arundell passed away in London. She was buried at the church of St Clement Danes. Years later, in 1847, a lead coffin believed to be hers was found. It was discovered at Arundel Castle. Her remains are now buried under the floor of the Fitzalan chapel there.

Marriages and Children

Mary Arundell was married two times. She had only one son who survived childhood.

• First Marriage: On January 14, 1537, she married Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex. He was much older than her and it was his third marriage. Mary became a stepmother to his five children from his previous marriages. Mary and Robert had two sons together:
  • A first son born in March 1538, who sadly died as a baby.
  • Sir John Radcliffe (died 1568), who was their younger son.

• Second Marriage: On December 19, 1545, Mary married Henry FitzAlan, 19th Earl of Arundel. This was also his second marriage. Mary became a stepmother to his three children from his first marriage. Mary and Henry did not have any children together.