Biography of Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford 1580-1627
Paternal Family Tree: Harrington
Maternal Family Tree: Cecily Bulstrode 1515
In 1573 [her father] John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 33) and [her mother] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 19) were married. His father [her grandfather] James Harrington (age 62) gave him Burley-on-the-Hill House as a wedding present.
In 1580 Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford was born to John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 40) and Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 26).
After 21 Feb 1581. Church of St Peter and St Paul, Exton, Rutlandshire [Map]. Elizabethan Period monument to [her grandfather] Robert Keilway (deceased). This memorial is attributed by Pevsner to Nicholas Johnson and by others to Nicholas Stone. Made of various marbles, a large standing wall monument of 1580, richly decorated and with a recumbant and kneeling figures of the whole family, in an aedicule, capped by obelisk, arms, etc.
His son-in-law John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 41).
His daughter Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 27).
His grandson Kelwey who died aged 21 weeks.
His grand-daughter Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 1).
His feet resting on a horse with its head turned back.
A Harpy. The begin to appear at the end of the 16th Century - see All Saints Church, Turvey [Map].
The same armorial on both sides include Harrington Arms, Keilway Arms
His arms quartered 1: Keilway Arms.
A separate wall mounted monument to Robert Keilway (age 84) with the inscription "Here lies Robert Keylway a distinguished esquire among civilians (whilst he lived), renowned for talent, learning and virtue, who loved retirement, lived as a Christian and died in the Lord on the 21st of February 1581 in the year of our Salvation, 1580, and the 84th year of his age. He left Anne (age 27) his sole heiress and only dearly loved daughter married to John Harrington of Exton, Knt (age 41), whom he had always affectionately loved as a son and friend, by which Anne (age 27) the said John (age 41) had during the life of the aforesaid Robert (deceased) two children, a son, Kelwey, who died Dec. 2nd, 1570, 21 weeks old, and lies buried here with his grandfather, and also a daughter Lucy (age 1) still surviving, and may God grant her a long life. To pay, therefore, a just tribute to so dear and affectionate a parent and to leave to posterity an evidence of their deep gratitude, the said John (age 41) and Anne (age 27) have raised this. Monument and dedicated to their father, Keylwey, and their son Keylwey (to their lasting memory if it so please God) and design it, if God will, as a sepulchre for themselves also".
On 28 Jul 1585 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 58) died. His grandson [her future husband] Edward Russell 3rd Earl Bedford (age 12) succeeded 3rd Earl Bedford, 3rd Baron Russell of Cheneys.
On 12 Dec 1594 Edward Russell 3rd Earl Bedford (age 21) and Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 14) were married at St Dunstan's Church Stepney. She by marriage Countess Bedford. She brought an enormous dowry of £10000 and the estate of Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire [Map].
In 1599 Frances Markham was born to Anthony Markham of Sedgebrook (age 22) and Bridget Harrington (age 20). After the death of her mother she was brought up by Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 19).
In 1600 Lucy Percy Countess Carlisle was born to Henry "Wizard Earl" Percy 9th Earl of Northumberland (age 35) and Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland (age 36). She was named for her mother's friend Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 20).
In 1603 [her mother] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 49) and her daughter Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 23) travelled to Scotland to gain favour with the new Queen Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland (age 28). She was subsequently appointed Lady of the Bedchamber and governess to Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia (age 6).
Diary of Anne Clifford 1603. Mar 1603. About five miles from London there met them my Mother (age 42), my Lord of Bedford (age 30)1 and his Lady (age 23), my uncle Russell (age 45), and much other company, so that we were in number about three hundred, which did all accompany them to Bath House where they continued most of that summer, whither I went daily and visited them, and grew daily more inward with my cousin Frances (age 16) and Mrs Carey. About this time my Aunt Warwick went to meet the Queen (age 28), having Mrs Bridges (age 25) with her and my Aunt Vavisor (age 43). My Mother and I should have gone with them, but that her horse (which she borrowed of Mrs Elmes,) and old Mr Hickley were not ready, yet I went the same night and overtook my aunt at Tittinhanger, Lady Blount’s house, where my Mother came to me the next day about noon, my aunt being gone before. Then my Mother and I went on our journey to overtake her, and killed three horses that day with extremity of heat, and came to Wrest, my Lord of Kent’s, where we found the doors shut and none in the house but one servant, who only had the keys of the hall, so that we were forced to lie in the hall all night, till towards morning, at which time came a man and let us into the higher rooms where we slept three or four hours. This morning we hasted away betimes and came that night to Rockingham Castle [Map], where we overtook my Aunt Warwick, and her company, where we continued a day or two with old Sir Edward Watson (age 54) and his Lady (age 57), then we went to Lady Needham’s (age 43) who once served my Aunt of Warwick, and from thence to a sister of hers whose name I have forgotten.
Note 1. Edward, 3rd Earl (age 30), and his Lady, Lucy (age 23), daughter of Lord Harrington (age 63).
On 21 Jul 1603 King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 37) created a number of new Baronies ...
Thomas Egerton (age 63) was created 1st Baron Ellesmere. Alice Spencer Countess Derby (age 54) by marriage Baroness Ellesmere.
Robert Spencer (age 33) was created 1st Baron Spencer Wormleighton.
[her father] John Harrington (age 63) was created 1st Baron Harington of Exton. [her mother] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 49) by marriage Baroness Harington of Exton.
On 08 Jan 1604 the Masque of the Twelve Goddesses was performed in the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace, Richmond [Map]. The performers included:
Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland (age 29) played Pallas.
Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 40) played Juno.
Frances Howard Duchess Lennox and Richmond (age 25) played Diana.
Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 24) played Vesta.
Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 28) played Proserpine.
Margaret Stewart 1st Countess Nottingham (age 13) played Concordia.
Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 41) played Venus.
Elizabeth Cecil Lady Hatton (age 26) played Macaria.
Audrey Shelton Lady Walsingham (age 35) played Astraea.
Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 16) played Flora.
Dorothy Hastings (age 25) played Ceres.
Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury (age 21) played Tethys.
In 1605 Cecily Bulstrode (age 20) was a member of the household of her cousin Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 25).
Memorials of affairs of state in the reigns of Q Elizabeth and K James I Volume 2 Dudley Carleton to Mr Winwood Jan 1605. At Night we had the Queen's Maske in the Banqueting-House [Map], or rather her Pagent. There was a great Engine at the lower end of the Room, which had Motion, and in it were the Images of Sea-Horses with other terrible Fishes, which were ridden by Moors: The Indecorum was, that there was all Fish and no Water. At the further end was a great Shell in form of a Skallop,wherein were four Seats; on the lowest sat the Queen (age 30) with my Lady Bedford (age 25); on the left were placed the Ladies Suffolk (age 41), Darby (age 29), Rich (age 42), Effingham (age 30), Ann Herbert (age 22), Susan Herbert (age 17), Elizabeth Howard (age 22), Walsingham (age 36) and Bevil (age 39). Their Apparell was rich, but too light and Currizan-light for such great ones. Instead of Vizzards, their Faces, and Arms up to the Elbows, were painted black, which was Disguise sufficient, for they were hard to be known; but it became them nothing so well as their red and white, and you cannot imagine a more ugly Sight, then a Troop of lean-cheeked Moors. The Spanish and Venetian Ambassadors were both present, and sate by the King in State; at which Monsieur Beaumont quarrells so extreamly, that he saith the whole Court is Spanish. But by his Favour, he should fall out with none but himself, for they were all indifferently invited to come as private Men, to a private Sport; which he refusing, the Spanish Ambassador willingly accepted, and being there, feeing no Cause to the contrary, he put off Don Taxis, and took upon him El Senor Embaxadour, wherein he outstript our little Monsieur. He was privately at the first Mask, and fate amongst his Men disguised; at this he was taken out to dance, and footed it like a lusty old Gallant with his Country Woman. He took out the Queen, and forgot not to kiss her Hand, though there was Danger it would have left a Mark on his Lips. The Night's Work was concluded with a Banquet in the great Chamber, which was so furioufly assaulted, that down went Table and Tresses before one bit was touched. They say the Duke Holst will come upon us with an after reckoning, and that we shall see him on Candlemas Night in a Mask, as he hath shewed himself a lusty Reveller all this Christmas.
On 06 Jan 1605, Twelfth Night, the Ben Johnson (age 33) Masque of Blackness was performed at the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace [Map]. The performers included:
Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland (age 30) played Euphoris.
Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 25) played Aglaia.
Anne Lady Herbert (age 22) played Diaphane.
Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 29) played Eucampse.
Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 41) played Kathare.
Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 42) played Ocyte.
Frances Knyvet Lady Bevill (age 39) played Notis.
Anne St John Lady Effingham (age 30) played Psychrote.
Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury (age 22) played Glycyte.
Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 17) played Malacia.
Mary Sidney Lady Wroth (age 18) played Baryte.
Audrey Shelton Lady Walsingham (age 36) played Periphere.
Around 1606 John Critz (age 55). Portrait of Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 26).
On 04 May 1609 Bridget Harrington (age 30) died at Twickenham Park which house belonged to her cousin Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 29).
After 04 May 1609 Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 29) wrote an epitaph to Bridget Harrington (deceased):
Elegie on the Ladye Marckham by L. C. B.
Death be not proud, thy hand gave not this blow,
Sin was her captive, whence thy power doth flow;
The executioner of wrath thou art,
But to destroy the just is not thy part.
Thy coming, terror, anguish, grief denounce;
Her happy state, courage, ease, joy pronounce.
From out the crystal palace of her breast,
The clearer soul was called to endless rest,
(Not by the thundering voice, wherewith God threats,
But, as with crowned saints in heaven he treats,)
And, waited on by angels, home was brought,
To joy that it through many dangers sought;
The key of mercy gently did unlock
The doors 'twixt heaven and it, when life did knock.
Nor boast, the fairest frame was made thy prey,
Because to mortal eyes it did decay;
A better witness than thou art, assures,
That though dissolved, it yet a space endures;
No dram thereof shall want or loss sustain,
When her best soul inhabits it again.
Go then to people cursed before they were,
Their spoils in triumph of thy conquest wear.
Glory not thou thy self in these hot tears
Which our face, not for hers, but our harm wears,
The mourning livery given by Grace, not thee,
Which wills our souls in these streams washed should be,
And on our hearts, her memory's best tomb,
In this her epitaph doth write thy doom.
Blind were those eyes, saw not how bright did shine
Through flesh's misty veil the beams divine.
Deaf were the ears, not charmed with that sweet sound
Which did in the spirit-instructed voice abound.
Of flint the conscience, did not yield and melt,
At what in her last Act it saw, heard, felt.
Weep not, nor grudge then, to have lost her sight,
Taught thus, our after stay's but a short night:
But by all souls not by corruption choked
Let in high raised notes that power be invoked.
Calm the rough seas, by which she sails to rest,
From sorrows here, to a kingdom ever blest;
And teach this hymn of her with joy, and sing,
The grave no conquest gets, Death hath no sting.
1612. Studio of Isaac Oliver (age 47). Miniature Portrait of (probably) Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 32). Oliver painted the woman's pearl earrings using Nicholas Hilliard's jewelling technique, which involved laying a raised blob of white lead paint with some shadowing to one side. This form was then crowned with a rounded touch of real silver that was burnished with, to quote Hilliard, "a pretty little tooth of some ferret or stoat or other wild little beast." This technique brought the silver to a sparkling highlight, while actual gold is used to paint the pearl's gold setting. Silver tarnishes with age, therefore, the pearl earrings now appear black.
On 23 Aug 1613 [her father] John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 73) died. His son [her brother] John Harrington 2nd Baron Harington (age 21) succeeded 2nd Baron Harington of Exton.
Around 1615 William Larkin (age 33). Portrait of Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 35).
Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 19 Apr 1619. Monday the 19th I went to Somerset House and sat a good while there by the Queen’s corpse, and then went into the Privy Galleries and shewed my Coz. Mary those fine delicate things there.
From thence I went to Bedford House and stayed with my Lady of Bedford (age 39) a little while, and she and I went to Channel Row to see my Lady Hume (age 33) the widow.
This day my Lord (age 30), my Lord Hundson (age 39), and my Sister Sackville, christened Hammon’s child at St. Dunstan’s Church.
In 1620 [her mother] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 66) died.
In 1620 Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 40) sold Burley-on-the-Hill House to George Villiers 1st Duke of Buckingham (age 27) for £28,000.
In 1627 Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 47) died.
On 03 May 1627 [her former husband] Edward Russell 3rd Earl Bedford (age 54) died at Moor Park, Hertfordshire. His first cousin Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford (age 34) succeeded 4th Earl Bedford, 4th Baron Russell of Cheneys. Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford (age 47) by marriage Countess Bedford.
Before 07 Dec 1680 Peter Lely (age 62). Portrait of Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford.
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 21 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 23 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 21 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd
Kings Franks: Great x 27 Grand Daughter of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor
Kings France: Great x 19 Grand Daughter of Robert "Pious" II King France
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Harrington
Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Harrington
Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Culpepper
Great x 2 Grandfather: John Harrington
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Alexander Harrington
GrandFather: James Harrington
Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Moton of Peckleton in Leicestershire
Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Moton
Father: John Harington 1st Baron Harington
Great x 3 Grandfather: William IV Sidney
Great x 2 Grandfather: Nicholas Sidney
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Sidney
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Brandon
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Brandon
Great x 4 Grandmother: Ada Calthorpe
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Brandon
GrandMother: Lucy Sidney
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Pakenham
Great x 2 Grandfather: Hugh Pakenham
Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Pakenham
Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford
Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Keilway
GrandFather: Robert Keilway
Mother: Anne Keilway Baroness Harington
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Thomas Bulstrode
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Bulstrode
Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Bulstrode
GrandMother: Cecily Bulstrode
