Mary Browne (courtier) facts for kids
Mary Browne (1593–1692) was an important English noblewoman who lived a very long life, reaching 99 years old! She was the daughter of Anthony-Maria Browne, 2nd Viscount Montagu and Jane Sackville. Her grandfather was Thomas Sackville, 1st Earl of Dorset. These titles meant her family was part of the highest levels of society in England.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Mary Browne was born in 1593. Her father, Anthony-Maria Browne, was a Catholic. In 1597, when Mary was just four years old, her father wrote a special guide for her. This guide was called "Instruction to my daughter Marie Browne, in the principall groundes, and moste necessarie pointes of the Catholique faithe." It taught her about the main ideas of the Catholic faith. It's thought that her father might have been guiding her towards becoming a nun, a woman who dedicates her life to religious service.
Marriages and Family Life
Mary Browne was married twice during her life. Both of her husbands were also from important noble families.
First Marriage: William Paulet
Mary's first marriage was to William Paulet. He was known as Lord St John and was the eldest son of William Paulet, 4th Marquess of Winchester. This marriage ended in 1616.
A famous letter writer named John Chamberlain wrote about the end of her first marriage. Chamberlain thought that Mary might stop being Catholic. He also believed she might join the royal household of Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen. He thought she might even replace the Queen's favorite lady, Jean Drummond, Countess of Roxburghe.
Mary Browne, known as Baroness St John, attended the funeral of Queen Anne of Denmark in 1619. This shows she was still connected to important people at court.
Second Marriage: William Arundell
Mary's second husband was William Arundell. He was from Horningsham, Wiltshire. William was the second son of Thomas Arundell, 1st Baron Arundell of Wardour. His mother was Mary Wriothesley, the daughter of Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton. William Arundell's sister-in-law, Lady Blanche Arundell, was also a well-known member of the Queen's household.
Even after her second marriage, Mary continued to be known as "Lady St John."
Mary's Children
Mary had several children with her second husband, William Arundell. They included:
- Charles Arundell (born 1621, died 1649). He married Mary Talbot, who was a daughter of John Talbot, 10th Earl of Shrewsbury.
- Mary Arundell (born 1622, died 1698). She married Sir Henry Tichborne.
- Katherine Arundell (born 1625, died 1641).
- Mark Arundell (born 1628).
Later Life
Mary Browne lived a very long life for her time. She passed away on November 13, 1692, when she was 99 years old.
