Ursula St Barbe facts for kids
Ursula St Barbe (who passed away on June 18, 1602) was an important lady at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. She was also known as Ursula, Lady Worsley and later as Ursula, Lady Walsingham.
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Who Was Ursula St Barbe?
Ursula St Barbe was born to Henry St Barbe and Eleanor Lewknor. Her family lived in Ashington, a place in Somerset, England.
Her First Marriage
Ursula first married a man named Sir Richard Worsley. He was a brave captain in charge of the Isle of Wight, a large island off the south coast of England.
Her Second Marriage
After Sir Richard Worsley passed away, Ursula married again in 1566. Her second husband was Sir Francis Walsingham. He was a very important person in Queen Elizabeth I's government.
Her Children
Ursula had two sons from her first marriage, named John and George. Sadly, they died in an accident at their home on the Isle of Wight, called Appuldurcombe. It happened when gunpowder was drying, and a spark caused an explosion.
With Sir Francis Walsingham, Ursula had two daughters.
- Her first daughter was Frances. She was born around October 1567. Frances later married a famous poet and soldier, Sir Philip Sidney.
- Her second daughter was Mary. She was born in early 1573 but sadly passed away in 1580.
Life as an Ambassador's Wife
Sir Francis Walsingham worked as an ambassador for England in France. This meant he represented Queen Elizabeth I in another country.
A Time of Danger
In 1572, while they were in France, a terrible event happened. It was called the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Many Huguenots, who were French Protestants, were attacked. Sir Francis Walsingham's house in Paris became a safe place for many Protestants during this dangerous time.
Returning to England
As soon as it was safe, Ursula and her daughter left France. They traveled back to England. Ursula was reunited with her husband in April 1573.
Connections and Later Life
Ursula's husband, Sir Francis Walsingham, knew a famous mathematician and astrologer named John Dee. Ursula's daughter, Frances, even became the godmother to John Dee's daughter, Madima.
Ursula also had a sister named Edith. Edith was married to Robert Beale. He held an important job as a clerk for the Privy Council, which was a group of advisors to the Queen.
Her Final Days
Lady Walsingham passed away at her home in Barn Elms on June 18, 1602. She was buried the very next night in Old St Paul's Cathedral in London.
