Mary Rich, Countess of Warwick
Encyclopedia
Mary Rich, Countess of Warwick ( 1625–1678 ) was the seventh daughter of Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork
and his second wife Catherine Fenton. She was born in Youghal
in 1625, and after her mother's death raised by relatives in Mallow
, before becoming a Maid of Honour to Henrietta Maria.
She was noted for exceptional stubbornness and independence: her father called her " my unruly daughter" and was entirely unable to control her. He arranged a marriage for her with James Hamilton, later 1st Earl of Clanbrassil
, but Mary , who was only thirteen, refused to marry on the grounds of her aversion to him, and no threat or argument would change her mind. Two years later she secretly made a love marriage with Charles Rich, 4th Earl of Warwick
, who at that time was a penniless younger son. Her father relented sufficiently to provide a dowry.
Charles unexpectedly inherited the Earldom in 1659, and thereafter Mary lived mainly at Leigh's Priory near Felstead, where she helped to raise her husband's three nieces. As the years passed she became increasingly devout, spending much of her day in prayer and meditation. Leigh's Priory became a resort for bishops and clergy. Her diaries record her religious fervour; they also reflect bitter quarrels with her husband, whose temper was ruined by chronic ill-health, and the tragic deaths of their son and daughter. They were however reconciled before his death in 1673 and he left her all his property, an unusual decision for the time. Mary died five years later, and by her own wish was buried " with no pomp".
Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork
Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork , also known as the Great Earl of Cork, was Lord Treasurer of the Kingdom of Ireland....
and his second wife Catherine Fenton. She was born in Youghal
Youghal
Youghal is a town in County Cork, Ireland. Sitting on the estuary of the River Blackwater, in the past it was militarily and economically important. Being built on the edge of a steep riverbank, the town has a distinctive long and narrow layout...
in 1625, and after her mother's death raised by relatives in Mallow
Mallow
Mallow or Mallows may refer to:Nature:* Malvaceae, family of plants; in particular the following genera:** Abelmoschus** Althaea – Marsh mallow** Callirhoe – Poppy mallow** Corchorus – Jews Mallow, Molokia, Mlukhia...
, before becoming a Maid of Honour to Henrietta Maria.
She was noted for exceptional stubbornness and independence: her father called her " my unruly daughter" and was entirely unable to control her. He arranged a marriage for her with James Hamilton, later 1st Earl of Clanbrassil
Earl of Clanbrassil
The title of Earl of Clanbrassil was created twice in the Peerage of Ireland.On 4 May 1622 Sir James Hamilton was created Viscount Claneboye in the Peerage of Ireland. The 2nd Viscount, of the same name, was created Earl of Clanbrassil on 7 June 1647...
, but Mary , who was only thirteen, refused to marry on the grounds of her aversion to him, and no threat or argument would change her mind. Two years later she secretly made a love marriage with Charles Rich, 4th Earl of Warwick
Charles Rich, 4th Earl of Warwick
Charles Rich, 4th Earl of Warwick was an English peer and member of the House of Lords. He represented the constituencies of Essex and Sandwich....
, who at that time was a penniless younger son. Her father relented sufficiently to provide a dowry.
Charles unexpectedly inherited the Earldom in 1659, and thereafter Mary lived mainly at Leigh's Priory near Felstead, where she helped to raise her husband's three nieces. As the years passed she became increasingly devout, spending much of her day in prayer and meditation. Leigh's Priory became a resort for bishops and clergy. Her diaries record her religious fervour; they also reflect bitter quarrels with her husband, whose temper was ruined by chronic ill-health, and the tragic deaths of their son and daughter. They were however reconciled before his death in 1673 and he left her all his property, an unusual decision for the time. Mary died five years later, and by her own wish was buried " with no pomp".