Mary Mildmay Fane, Countess of Westmorland facts for kids
Mary Fane, Countess of Westmorland (born Mildmay; around 1582 – April 9, 1640), was an important writer and a caring mother. She was very interested in medicine, just like her mother, Grace Mildmay. Mary also wrote many spiritual guides and letters.
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Her Family and Early Life
Mary was the daughter of Sir Anthony Mildmay and Grace Sherington. Her family lived at Apethorpe Palace in Northamptonshire, England. Her mother, Grace, was also a well-known writer and healer.
In 1621, Mary built a large monument for her parents at Apethorpe Church. This was to honor their memory.
On February 15, 1598, Mary married Francis Fane. When he became the Earl of Westmorland, Mary became the Countess of Westmorland. An Earl was a high-ranking nobleman, and a Countess was his wife.
Mary's Writings and Important Letters
Mary Fane spent a lot of time organizing and copying her mother's medical notes. Her mother, Grace, had left behind over 2,000 pages of these notes!
Grace had also written a book of "Spiritual Meditations" and dedicated it to Mary. This shows how much Grace trusted and loved her daughter. Mary later shared this special blessing with her own daughter, Grace, in a letter.
Advice for Her Children
Mary also wrote a special book called 'Book of Advices to the Children'. This book was for her sons, Francis and Mildmay. She also wrote letters to Francis, giving him advice.
She wrote other letters too. Some were about business and sent to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. She also wrote six letters to her daughter, Grace Fane, Countess of Home. These letters talked about Grace's health and her hopes of having children.
Disputes and Royal Support
After her daughter Grace died in 1633, Mary had a disagreement about Grace's property. She was Grace's executor, meaning she was in charge of Grace's will. Mary had a dispute with another person also called the Countess of Home.
Mary asked for help from King Charles I. The King wrote a letter to the court in Edinburgh to support Mary on May 5, 1634. In December 1635, Mary thanked Secretary Windebank for the King's help. She asked him to make sure the King did not side with her opponent.
Mary explained that the other Countess of Home lived in Edinburgh and knew many people there. She asked Secretary Windebank to keep her business a secret.
A Prophetic Letter about War
On May 6, 1639, Mary wrote an important letter to Secretary Windebank. In this letter, she advised against sending an army to Scotland. This was during the time of the first Bishop's War.
Some people thought her daughter-in-law, Mary Vere, wrote this letter. But it was Mary Fane. A later reader called it "A very sensible and Prophetic letter." This means it was very wise and seemed to predict the future.
Mary wrote that the Scottish people were better prepared for war. She said they were also better suited for fighting. She believed they had many spies and knew how England was doing.
She also wrote that the Scots could live with very little. But the English people would be unhappy without many things. She worried that English soldiers and horses were not used to war. She felt that if the King attacked too soon, it would bring dishonor.
Later Life and Passing
On January 9, 1640, Mary wrote a letter to her daughter Rachel Fane. In this letter, Mary called herself an "old hen" and her daughter Katherine a "chick." She also praised Mary Vere.
Mary died in Stevenage on April 9, 1640. She was buried in Apethorpe.
Her Children
Mary and Francis had many children, seven sons and six daughters.
Sons
- Mildmay Fane, 2nd Earl of Westmorland (1602–1666): He became the 2nd Earl of Westmorland. He was also a poet and a Member of Parliament.
- Thomas Fane: He died when he was a baby.
- Francis Fane (around 1611–1681?): He was a Royalist, meaning he supported the King. He was a governor of Doncaster and later of Lincoln Castle.
- Anthony Fane (1613–1643): He was a colonel in the Parliamentary army. He was hurt during a battle in 1642 and died early the next year.
- Colonel George Fane (around 1616 – April 1663): He was also a Royalist officer and later a Member of Parliament.
- William Fane
- Robert Fane
Daughters
- Grace Fane (1604–1633): She married James Home, 2nd Earl of Home.
- Mary Fane (1606–1634): She married Dutton Gerard, 3rd Baron Gerard.
- Elizabeth Fane (born 1608): She married John Cope, and then William Cope.
- Rachel Fane (1614–1681): She married Henry Bourchier, 5th Earl of Bath.
- Frances Fane: She died before her mother and never married.
- Catherine Fane
