Mary Darcy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Darcy
|
|
|---|---|
"Mary Kytson later Lady Rivers"
|
|
| Born |
Mary Kitson
1565 |
| Died | 1644 |
| Nationality | Kingdom of England |
| Known for | her difficult marriage |
| Spouse(s) | Thomas Darcy, 1st Earl Rivers |
| Children | 5 |
| Parent(s) | Elizabeth and Sir Thomas Kitson |
Mary Darcy, born Mary Kitson (1565 – 1644), was an important woman in England during the 16th and 17th centuries. She was the only heir to Hengrave Hall, a large estate near Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk. Mary married Thomas Darcy, who later became the first Earl Rivers. They had five children together. However, their marriage faced difficulties, and they eventually separated.
Early Life and Marriage
Mary was the only child of Lady Elizabeth and Sir Thomas Kitson of Hengrave Hall to survive. This meant she was their heir and would inherit their property. Her mother passed away when Mary was born. Mary inherited her mother's music collection and all her belongings, including the grand Hengrave Hall.
,_Lady_Darcy_of_Chiche.png)
In 1583, Mary married Thomas Darcy, third Baron Darcy of Chiche. Both Mary and Thomas were raised in the Catholic faith. A painting of Mary, which is now in Tate Britain, shows her wearing beautiful pearls, diamonds, and rubies. These jewels were gifts she received for her marriage. The painting also has a message in French that means "never act in haste."
Mary was well-liked at the court of Elizabeth I, the Queen of England. She was known for her beauty and cleverness. Her husband, Thomas, often had to travel to inspect the defenses along England's east coast. Because he was away so much, he grew suspicious of Mary. Some people at court, who were jealous of Mary, spread unkind rumors about her. These rumors and her husband's suspicions led to a legal separation in 1594. As part of this agreement, Mary received £350 each year. Another full-length painting of Mary shows her holding the separation document. On the paper, the words "If not, I care not" are visible, suggesting she was not heartbroken by the end of her marriage.
Mary Darcy's Children
Mary Darcy had five children: Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary, Susan, and Penelope.
Her only son was named Thomas Darcy. He served as a page, which is like a young attendant, to Prince Henry. Prince Henry was the oldest son of King James I and Anne of Denmark. Thomas even performed at a special event called Prince Henry's Barriers in January 1610. Sadly, Thomas died in 1614.
Her daughter, Elizabeth Darcy (1581–1651), married Thomas Savage, 1st Viscount Savage. Their children included John Savage, 2nd Earl Rivers. Thomas Savage inherited the family's wealth because of a special legal rule added in 1613. This rule, called a remainder, allowed the fortune to go to his son-in-law, Sir Thomas Savage, and his heirs if there were no male children in the Darcy family.
Another daughter, Mary Darcy, married Roger Manwood (1591–1623) in 1615. They did not have any children.
Susan Darcy, another of Mary's daughters, never married.
Penelope Darcy was also a recusant daughter, meaning she remained Catholic. She first married Sir George Trenchard of Wolveton on June 11, 1610. He died in the same year. In 1611, she married Sir John Gage, 1st Baronet. He passed away in 1633. Finally, in 1642, she married Sir William Hervey. Penelope died in 1661. When she married for the second time, Penelope Darcy took the name Gage. It was Penelope and her children with Sir John Gage who became the heirs to Hengrave Hall.
Images for kids
-
Mary Kytson later Lady Rivers
