ANNE CLIFFORD, COUNTESS OF DORSET, PEMBROKE, AND MONTGOMERY

Summary

Another Bess of Hardwick, in her passion and talent for building, and in her exact economy, in her spirit, and in some circumstances of her life, but infinitely her superior in mind and disposition, as well as learning and accomplishments, Anne Clifford was one of the most remarkable women of her time

She was the daughter and heir of George, Earl of Cumberland, and was born January 30th, 1589.

The father was distinguished for his naval expeditions, of which he made no less than eleven: “the history of his singular life must be sought,” says an historian, “sometimes in the journal of the sailor, and sometimes in the tablets of the courtier. His voyages were chiefly to the West Indies, and were generally undertaken at his own charge; consequently his fortune suffered considerably by these great expenses.”

He was the commander of the Elizabeth Bonaventure, in the fleet which defeated the Spanish Armada of 1588.

In Elizabeth's Court he held a high rank, and was one of her chief heroes: with a due sense of his chivalrous merits, she appointed him her “champion” at all tilts and tournaments, where his gallant demeanour, skill, and courage made him the object of universal admiration. Once, at an audience of the Queen, after his return from one of his voyages, his royal and coquettish mistress dropped her glove, which he presenting on his knees, she graciously desired him to keep for her sake: he immediately caused it to be encrusted with jewels, and ever after wore it, at all public ceremonies, in his hat.