Winifred Wells facts for kids
Winifred Wells was a lady who lived in the royal court during the time of King Charles II of England in England. This period was called the Restoration, when the king returned to power. She was a Maid of Honour to Queen Catherine of Braganza, which meant she helped the Queen.
Life at the Royal Court
Winifred Wells was born around 1642. Her family, the Wells, were very loyal to the King during the English Civil War. She started working at the royal court early in King Charles II's reign. She was one of the first Maids of Honour for Queen Catherine.
A writer named Philibert de Gramont wrote about Winifred in his famous book, Mémoirs. He described her as a "big, splendidly handsome creature who dressed well." She was also said to have the "carriage of a goddess," meaning she carried herself with great grace.
Another writer, Samuel Pepys, mentioned Winifred Wells in his diary. He wrote about a rumor that she had a child during a court ball in December 1662. It was said the King was the father. Pepys also wrote that the King supposedly gave her a large sum of money, about £1,500 or £2,000, in February 1663.
Years later, in September 1672, King Charles gave Winifred another gift of £2,150. This money was for her marriage. She married Thomas Wyndham, who was one of the King's equerries (a person who looks after the King's horses). This happened before July 1673. Queen Catherine then made Winifred a dresser, and she continued to serve the Queen until 1692. This was seven years after King Charles II had passed away.
