Susan Bertie, Countess of Kent facts for kids
Susan Bertie was born in 1554. She was the daughter of Catherine, Duchess of Suffolk, and her second husband, Richard Bertie. Susan was a noblewoman mentioned by the writer Aemilia Lanyer in her book Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum (1611). Lanyer called her the "daughter of the Duchess of Suffolk." When Susan was sixteen, she married Reginald Grey. He later became the fifth Earl of Kent. Susan became a widow at age nineteen. In 1581, when she was twenty-seven, she married Sir John Wingfield.
Growing Up in a Noble Family
Susan was the first child from her mother's second marriage. Her brother, Peregrine Bertie, was born one year after her. He later took over his mother's title as the 13th Baron Willoughby de Eresby.
Susan's mother and stepfather were strong Protestants. During the reign of Catholic Queen Mary, they had to leave England. They went to live in other countries with Susan and Peregrine. They returned to England in 1559 when Queen Elizabeth became queen. Susan was five years old then. They moved back to their large home, Grimsthorpe, in Lincolnshire.
In 1570, when Susan was sixteen, she married Reginald Grey. She moved away from Grimsthorpe Castle. At the time of their marriage, he was known as "Master Grey." By March 28, 1572, he became the Earl of Kent. This made Susan the Countess of Kent. Sadly, the Earl died a year later, on March 15, 1573.
Life After Her First Husband's Death
Susan and the Earl of Kent did not have any children. So, the next person to become Earl was Reginald's younger brother, Henry Lord Grey of Ruthin. Susan was now nineteen years old and a Dowager Countess. This meant she was the widow of an Earl. She likely could not stay in the new Earl's home.
It is thought that Queen Elizabeth I might have invited Susan to live at Court. The Queen often looked out for young noblewomen who were in Susan's situation. The Queen would later show a lot of interest in Susan's second marriage in 1581.
Her Second Marriage and Influence
Susan's second husband was Sir John Wingfield. He was the nephew of a famous noblewoman named Bess of Hardwick. Susan and John had two sons. Their first son, Peregrine Wingfield, was born in Holland. He was probably named after Susan's brother. Their second son was Robert Wingfield.
The writer Aemilia Lanyer wrote about Susan Bertie. She called Susan "the Mistris of my youth, / The noble guide of my ungovern'd dayes." This means Susan was an important teacher for Lanyer when she was young. Susan was a Protestant and believed in humanist ideas. Her household had a big impact on the young Lanyer. It was common for young people from noble families to be sent to live and learn in the homes of other important families.
