Biography of Margaret St John Countess Bedford 1533-1562

Paternal Family Tree: St John

Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Hussey 1389-1418

Around 1533 Margaret St John Countess Bedford was born to John St John (age 39) and Margaret Waldegrave (age 47) at Bletsoe.

Before 1548 Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 21) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 14) were married. He the son of John Russell 1st Earl Bedford (age 62) and Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford (age 68).

In 1548 [her daughter] Anne Russell Countess Warwick was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 21) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 15).

In 1551 [her son] Henry Russell was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 24) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 18).

Around 1553 [her son] John Russell was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 26) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 20).

Around 1554 [her son] Francis Russell was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 27) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 21).

On 14 Mar 1555 [her father-in-law] John Russell 1st Earl Bedford (age 70) died. His son [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 28) succeeded 2nd Earl Bedford, 2nd Baron Russell of Cheneys. Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 22) by marriage Countess Bedford.

Around 1560 [her son] William Russell 1st Baron Russell was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 33) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 27).

On 07 Jul 1560 [her daughter] Margaret Russell Countess Cumberland was born to [her husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 33) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 27).

1562 News Years Day Gift Giving

On 01 Jan 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth (age 28) was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."

For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.

Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.

By the Lady Margaret Strainge (age 22), a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange (age 30) on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford (age 22) was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.

Dukes, Marquises and Earls.

By the Duke of Norfolke (age 25), in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.

By the Marquis of Winchester (age 79), High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Marquis of Northampton (age 50), in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Arundell (age 49), Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Shrewesburye (age 34), in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Darbye (age 52), in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Pembroke (age 61), in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.

By the [her husband] Earle of Bedforde (age 35), in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Rutlande (age 35), in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Westmerlande (age 37), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Oxforde (age 46), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.

By the Earle of Northumberlande (age 34), in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.

By the Earle of Warwike (age 32), a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham (age 23).

By the Viscounte Mountague (age 33), in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.

By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury (age 57), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.

By the Archbusshop of York (age 61), in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Duresme (age 42), in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Ely (age 69), in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Wynchester (age 52), in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of London (age 43), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Salisbury (age 39), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Worcester (age 43), in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Lyncoln (age 42), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Chychester (age 64), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Norwich (age 50), in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.

By the Busshop of Hereforde (age 52), in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry (age 48), in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Rochester (age 48), in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.

By the Busshop of Saint Davies (age 55), in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

Duchesses and Countesses.

By the Duchess of Norfolke (age 22), in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Duchess of Somerset (age 65), in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.

By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.

By the Countess of Pembroke (age 38), in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Bedford (age 36), in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Darby (age 51), in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Oxford (age 36), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager (age 62), in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Shrewisbury (age 37), in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager (age 51), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Huntingdon (age 24), in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Northumberland (age 24), in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Countess of Rutland (age 29), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.

Viscountesses.

By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager (age 42), six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham (age 23).

By the Vicountess Mountague (age 24), in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

Lordes.

By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon (age 51), in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen (age 52), in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Pagett (age 56), in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall (age 50), in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Riche (age 65), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde North (age 66), in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Lumley (age 29), in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro (age 41), in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Stafford (age 60), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Windsor (age 30), in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

by Lorde John Graye (age 38), a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.

By the Lorde Barkeley (age 27), in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Mountejoye (age 29), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Abergavennye (age 36), in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Scrowpe (age 28), in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon (age 35), in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.

By the Lorde Strainge (age 30), in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.

By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey (age 30), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Shefild (age 24), in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.

By the Lorde Shandowes (age 40), in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

Ladyes.

By the Baroness Howarde (age 47), in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Baroness Clinton (age 35), a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham (age 23).

By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.

By the Lady Barkeley (age 24), Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.

By the Lady Mountejoye (age 30), in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.

By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon (age 33), in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.

By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's (age 48) wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Baroness Cobham (age 23), a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.

By the Lady Dakers (age 21), a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.

By the Lady Shefilde (age 20), a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

By the Margaret Baroness Scrope (age 18), in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.

By the Lady Shandowes (age 38), a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

By the Lady Knowlles (age 38), a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.

By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.

By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.

On 27 Aug 1562 Margaret St John Countess Bedford (age 29) died at Woburn. She was buried at St Michael's Church, Chenies.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 03 Sep 1562. The sam day be-gane to make rede for the good lade contes of Bedford (deceased) a grett baner of armes and vj grett baner-rolles and .. skochyons of armes of sylke, and of paper-ryalle vij doshen skochyons of armes.

Note. P. 291. Funeral of the countess of Bedford. Margaret daughter of sir John St. John of Bletsoe, and first wife of Francis second earl of Bedford. "Lady Margaret, countess of Bedford, dyed at Owborne the xxviijth of August, and was beryed the xth of September at Chenyes, in A° 1562." (MS. Harl. 897, f. 84.)

Henry Machyn's Diary. 09 Sep 1562. The ix day of September was bered the contes of Bedford (deceased) at Chennys with iij haroldes of armes, with a grett baners of mareges [marriages], and vj banar-rolles, and viij dosen of skochyons, and mony mornars in blake.

On 25 Jun 1566 [her former husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 39) and Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford (age 40) were married. She by marriage Countess Bedford. He the son of John Russell 1st Earl Bedford and Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 28 Jul 1585 [her former husband] Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 58) died. His grandson Edward Russell 3rd Earl Bedford (age 12) succeeded 3rd Earl Bedford, 3rd Baron Russell of Cheneys.

[her son] John Russell and Elizabeth Cooke were married. The difference in their ages was 26 years; she, unusually, being older than him. He the son of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.

[her son] Francis Russell and Juliana or Eleanor Unknown were married. He the son of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.

[her father] John St John and Ann Nevill were married.

[her father] John St John and [her mother] Margaret Waldegrave were married.

[her son] Henry Russell and Jane Sibella Morrison Baroness Grey Wilton were married. She the daughter of Richard Morrison and Bridget Hussey Countess Bedford. He the son of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.

[her daughter] Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath was born to Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.

Royal Ancestors of Margaret St John Countess Bedford 1533-1562

Kings Wessex: Great x 14 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 17 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 12 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of William "Lion" I King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 20 Grand Daughter of Louis "Pious" King Aquitaine I King Franks

Kings France: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of Louis "Fat" VI King France

Royal Descendants of Margaret St John Countess Bedford 1533-1562

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom x 2

Queen Consort Camilla Shand x 1

Diana Spencer Princess Wales x 4

Ancestors of Margaret St John Countess Bedford 1533-1562

Great x 4 Grandfather: Oliver St John

Great x 3 Grandfather: John St John

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Barre

Great x 2 Grandfather: Oliver St John

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Paulett

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Paulet

Great x 1 Grandfather: John St John 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Beauchamp 2nd Baron Beauchamp Bletsoe 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Beauchamp 3rd Baron Beauchamp Bletsoe 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Beauchamp Duchess Somerset 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Stourton 4 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Edith Stourton Baroness Beauchamp Bletsoe 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

GrandFather: John St John 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Bradshaigh

Great x 1 Grandmother: Alice Bradshaigh

Father: John St John 9 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Morgan ap Llewelyn

Great x 3 Grandfather: Philip ap Morgan

Great x 2 Grandfather: Jenkyn ap Philip

Great x 1 Grandfather: Morgan ap Jenkin Lord of Langstone

GrandMother: Sybil of Lansgtone Manor

Margaret St John Countess Bedford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Waldegrave

Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Waldegrave

GrandFather: William Waldegrave

Mother: Margaret Waldegrave 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Wentworth

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Wentworth

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Tyas

Great x 2 Grandfather: Roger Wentworth

Great x 3 Grandmother: Agnes Dronsfield

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Wentworth 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Despencer 1st Baron Despencer 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Philip Despencer 2nd Baron Despencer 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Unknown Baroness Despencer

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margery Despencer 3rd Baroness Despencer, Baroness Ros 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Tiptoft 3rd Baron Tibetot 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tiptoft Baroness Despencer 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Deincourt Baroness Tibetot 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

GrandMother: Margery Wentworth 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Howard 2 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Howard 3 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Scales 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Howard 4 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Tendring

Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Tendring

Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Mark Hussey 3rd Baron Hussey

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Hussey 5 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Verdun Baroness Hussey 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Hussey 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England