Mary Cheke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Cheke, Lady Cheke
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| Born | Mary Hill c. 1532 Hampshire, England |
| Died | 30 November 1616 |
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| Nationality | British |
| Spouse |
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| Children | 3 with Cheeke; 8 with Mackwilliam |
| Relatives | Sir John Mason (step-father) |
Mary, Lady Cheke (born Mary Hill, around 1532 – November 30, 1616) was an important English woman who lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. She was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, which meant she helped and advised her. Mary Cheke was also a talented poet and wrote short, clever poems called epigrams.
Who Was Mary Cheke?
Mary Hill was born in Hampshire, England, around the year 1532. Her father, Richard Hill, worked for King Henry VIII. He was in charge of the King's wine cellar. After her father passed away, her mother married again, to a man named Sir John Mason.
Mary's Marriages and Family
In 1547, when she was about 15, Mary married Sir John Cheke. He was a famous scholar who studied classical languages like Greek and Latin. He was also a statesman, meaning he worked in government. Mary and John had three sons: Henry, John, and Edward.
After Queen Mary I came to power in 1554, Mary Cheke's husband, John, had to leave England. He asked a friend to look after his wife. Sadly, John Cheke died in 1557.
Late in 1558, Mary Cheke married again. Her second husband was Henry Macwilliam, who was a gentleman at court. Even after marrying Henry, she kept the title of Lady Cheke.
Life at Court
Mary, Lady Cheke, is remembered for her important role at the court of Elizabeth I. She was known for her quick wit and a clever exchange of poems that happened at court.
In the late 1590s, a writer named John Harington wrote a short poem (an epigram) that seemed to say negative things about women in the Bible. Mary Cheke wrote a brilliant and lyrical poem back to him. Her poem was called "Erat quaedam mulier (a reply to John Harrington's poem, Erat quidem homo)." This showed her talent and intelligence.
Mary Cheke passed away on November 30, 1616.
Mary Cheke's Writings
Mary Cheke was known for her skill in writing epigrams. These are short, witty poems that often make a point or comment on something.
- "Erat quaedam mulier (a reply to John Harrington's poem, Erat quidem homo)", late 1590s
