Biography of Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby 1575-1627

Paternal Family Tree: Vere

Maternal Family Tree: Anne Fitzwilliam 1504-1588

1571 Triple Wedding

1604 Masque of the Twelve Goddesses

1605 Masque of Blackness

1605 Christening of Princess Mary Stuart

1608 Masque of Beauty

1610 Tethy's Festival Masque

Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby was appointed Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland.

On 03 Aug 1562 [her grandfather] John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford (age 46) died. His son [her father] Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 12) succeeded 17th Earl of Oxford.

1571 Triple Wedding

On 16 Dec 1571 a triple wedding was celebrated at Whitehall Palace [Map] ... with Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 38) present ...

Edward Dudley 4th Baron Dudley (age 46) and Mary Howard Baroness Dudley (age 23) were married. She by marriage Baroness Sutton of Dudley. The difference in their ages was 23 years. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

[her father] Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 21) and [her mother] Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford (age 15) were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. He the son of John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford and Margery Golding Countess of Oxford.

Edward Somerset 4th Earl of Worcester (age 21) and Elizabeth Hastings Countess of Worcester (age 25) were married. She by marriage Countess Worcester. She the daughter of Francis Hastings 2nd Earl Huntingdon and Catherine Pole Countess Huntingdon (age 60). He the son of William Somerset 3rd Earl of Worcester (age 45) and Christina North Countess of Worcester. They were third cousin once removed.

On 02 Jul 1575 Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby was born to Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 25) and Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford (age 18) at Theobalds House, Hertfordshire.

On 10 Jul 1575 Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby was baptised.

On 05 Jun 1588 [her mother] Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford (age 31) died. She was buried at the Chapel of St Nicholas, Westminster Abbey [Map]. She shares a monument with her mother [her grandmother] Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley (age 62). The monument rises to twenty-four feet, and is constructed of various coloured marbles, after a design of the Corinthian order. The Latin inscriptions, which are very long, were written by [her grandfather] Lord Burleigh (age 67) himself, and set forth the varied accomplishments and the virtues of the two ladies who are represented in effigy in the lower part of the monument. The figure of Lord Burleigh (age 67), in his robes, and in a kneeling attitude, appears in the upper part of the monument.

In 1591 [her father] Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 40) sold Hedingham Castle [Map] to his father-in-law [her grandfather] William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 70) in trust for his three daughters Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 15), [her sister] Bridget Vere Baroness Norreys Rycote (age 6) and [her sister] Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 3) by his first wife [her mother] Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford.

Before 27 Dec 1591 [her father] Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 41) and [her step-mother] Elizabeth Trentham Maid of Honour Countess of Oxford were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. She brought her husband a dowry of £1000 bequeathed to her in her father's will, payable at the rate of 500 marks a year for three years. He the son of John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford and Margery Golding Countess of Oxford.

On 16 Apr 1594 Ferdinando Stanley 5th Earl of Derby (age 35) died from poisoning. His brother [her future husband] William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby (age 33) succeeded 6th Earl Derby. Baron Stanley abeyant.

On 26 Jan 1595 William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby (age 34) and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 19) were married. She by marriage Countess Derby. She the daughter of Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 44) and Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford. He the son of Henry Stanley 4th Earl of Derby and Margaret Clifford Countess Derby (age 55). He a great x 2 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

Around 1600 [her daughter] Anne Stanley was born to [her husband] William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby (age 39) and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 24). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

Masque of the Twelve Goddesses

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.

[her sister] Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 16) played Flora.

Dorothy Hastings (age 25) played Ceres.

Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury (age 21) played Tethys.

On 24 Jun 1604 [her father] Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 54) died at his home In King Street Covent Garden. His son [her half-brother] Henry de Vere 18th Earl of Oxford (age 11) succeeded 18th Earl of Oxford.

Before 1605 [her son-in-law] Robert Kerr 1st Earl Ancram (age 27) and [her daughter] Anne Stanley (age 4) were married. The difference in their ages was 22 years. She the daughter of William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby (age 43) and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 29). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

Masque of Blackness

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.

[her sister] Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 17) played Malacia.

Mary Sidney Lady Wroth (age 18) played Baryte.

Audrey Shelton Lady Walsingham (age 36) played Periphere.

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), [her sister] 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.

Christening of Princess Mary Stuart

On 05 May 1605 Princess Mary Stewart was christened at the Palace of Placentia [Map]. Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 29) carried the child. The infant's clothing, a train of purple velvet, embroidered with gold and furred with Ermines, was supported by two countesses, being so long that it fell to the ground. Richard Bancroft Archibishop Canterbury (age 60) performed the christening. The Queen's (age 30) brother Prince Ulrik Oldenburg (age 26), the King's (age 38) first cousin Arabella Stewart (age 30) and Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland (age 41) were godparents. The King (age 38) presented Queen Anne (age 30) (who was not present) with new jewelry.

On 31 Jan 1607 [her son] James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby was born to [her husband] William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby (age 46) and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 31) at Knowsley. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

Masque of Beauty

Tethy's Festival Masque

On 05 Jun 1610 the Tethy's Festival Masque was performed at Whitehall Palace [Map] to celebrate the the investiture of Prince Frederick (age 16) as Prince of Wales. The script was written by Samuel Daniel at the request of the Queen (age 35), who appeared in person as Tethys a goddess of the sea. Inigo Jones (age 36) designed the staging and scenery.

Prince Charles (age 9) took the part of Zephyrus,.

Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia (age 13) appeared as the companion or daughter of Tethys, the "Nymph of Thames",.

Arabella Stewart (age 35) took the part of the "Nymph of Trent",.

Alethea Talbot Countess Arundel, Surrey and Norfolk (age 25) as "Nymph of Arun".

Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 34) as "Nymph of Derwent",.

Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 20) as "Nymph of Lee",.

Anne Clifford Countess Dorset and Pembroke (age 20) as "Nymph of Air",.

[her sister] Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 23) as "Nymph of Severn",.

Elizabeth Radclyffe Viscountess Haddington as "Nymph of Rother",.

Elizabeth Talbot Countess Kent (age 28) as "Nymph of Medway",.

Four sisters, daughters of Edward Somerset 4th Earl of Worcester (age 60) and Elizabeth Hastings Countess of Worcester (age 64), danced as the rivers of Monmouthshire:

Catherine Somerset Baroness Windsor (age 35) the "Nymph of Usk".

Katherine Somerset Baroness Petre (age 35) the "Nymph of Olwy".

Elizabeth Somerset (age 20) the "Nymph of Dulesse" (Dulas), and.

Mary Wintour the "Nymph of Wye".

In 1612 Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 36) was created Lord Mann.

On 20 Jul 1615 [her son-in-law] Henry Portman 2nd Baronet (age 18) and [her daughter] Anne Stanley (age 15) were married. She brought £5000 to the marriage. She the daughter of William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby (age 54) and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 40). She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

On 26 Jun 1626 [her son] James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby (age 19) and [her daughter-in-law] Charlotte Thouars Countess Derby (age 26) were married. She by marriage Baroness Strange Knockin. She the daughter of Claude de La Tremoille 2nd Duke Thouars and Charlotte Flandrina Orange Nassau (age 46). He the son of William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby (age 65) and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 50). He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

On 10 Mar 1627 Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 51) died at Richmond, Surrey [Map]. She was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].

On 29 Sep 1642 [her former husband] William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby (age 81) died. His son [her son] James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby (age 35) succeeded 7th Earl Derby. [her daughter-in-law] Charlotte Thouars Countess Derby (age 42) by marriage Countess Derby.

[her son] Robert Stanley was born to William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

[her daughter] Elizabeth Stanley was born to William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

[her daughter] Elizabeth Stanley was born to William Stanley 6th Earl of Derby and Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland.

Royal Ancestors of Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby 1575-1627

Kings Wessex: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 19 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

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

Kings Franks: Great x 12 Grand Daughter of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 13 Grand Daughter of Louis "Fat" VI King France

Royal Descendants of Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby 1575-1627

Diana Spencer Princess Wales x 3

Ancestors of Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby 1575-1627

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard de Vere 11th Earl of Oxford 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert de Vere 6 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Sergeaux Countess Oxford

Great x 2 Grandfather: John de Vere 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Courtenay 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Courtenay 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Colbroke

GrandFather: John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Trussell

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Trussell

Great x 2 Grandfather: Edward Trussell

Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Trussell Countess of Oxford 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Donne

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Donne 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Leonard Hastings

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hastings 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Camoys 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Father: Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

GrandMother: Margery Golding Countess of Oxford

Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Cecil

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Cecil

Great x 2 Grandfather: David Cecil

Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard Cecil

Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Dicons

GrandFather: William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Heckington

Great x 1 Grandmother: Jane Heckington

Mother: Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Cooke

Great x 3 Grandfather: Philip Cooke

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Cooke of Gidea Hall

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Belnap

Great x 1 Grandfather: Anthony Cooke

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Saunders of Banbury in Oxfordshire

Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Saunders

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Spencer of Hodnell in Warwickshire

Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Spencer

GrandMother: Mildred Cooke Baroness Burghley 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fitzwilliam 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Fitzwilliam 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Fitzwilliam 9 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Fitzwilliam 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England