Winifred, Lady Strickland facts for kids

Winifred, Lady Strickland, lived from 1645 to 1725.

Winifred, Lady Strickland (1645–1725) was an important person in the royal court of King James II, who was living in exile in France. She played a key role in raising the young Prince of Wales.

Early Life and Family

Winifred Trentham was born in 1645 in Rocester, England. Her parents were Sir Christopher Trentham and Winifred Biddulph. In 1674, she married Sir Thomas Strickland. He was a widower from Sizergh Castle in Westmorland. Sir Thomas already had two daughters from his first marriage. Winifred and Sir Thomas had five sons together. One of their sons, named Thomas, later became a bishop.

Life at the Royal Court

Winifred, Lady Strickland, became a trusted member of the royal court. In June 1688, she was present when James, the Prince of Wales, was born. The Prince of Wales was the son of King James II. Lady Strickland was then chosen to be his under-governess. This meant she helped care for and teach the young prince.

In December 1688, big changes happened in England. This time was known as the Glorious Revolution. King James II and his family had to leave England. Lady Strickland was one of the loyal servants who secretly went with the Queen, Mary of Modena, and the Prince of Wales to France. They settled at a place called St Germain-en-Laye.

A Governess in Exile

Lady Strickland and her husband, Sir Thomas, stayed with the royal family in France. Winifred was now fully in charge of raising the young Prince of Wales. She taught him and looked after him.

In 1692, Lady Strickland and Sir Thomas left the court. They moved to Rouen, France, because they were not well. Sir Thomas passed away in 1694. After his death, Winifred went back to the royal court. She continued to be the prince's governess until he turned seven years old.

Later Years and Legacy

After her time as governess, Lady Strickland returned to England. She spent time getting her family's property back and managing their money. In 1700, she went back to St Germain-en-Laye. There, she became a Woman of the Bedchamber to the exiled Queen. This was an important role, helping the Queen with her daily life.

Lady Strickland was also a supporter of art. She helped a portrait painter named Alexis Simon Belle. She also collected many important paintings of the Jacobite court. These paintings showed the people who supported King James II.

After the Queen died in 1718, Lady Strickland retired. She moved to a convent in Rouen, where her husband and eldest son were buried. She passed away there on April 17, 1725, and was buried with her family.