Biography of Margaret Blagge 1652-1678

Before 02 Aug 1652 [her father] Thomas Blagge (age 39) and [her mother] Mary North were married.

On 02 Aug 1652 Margaret Blagge was born to Thomas Blagge (age 39) and Mary North.

Around 1655 Elizabeth Feilding Countess Guildford has charge of Margaret Blagge (age 2) in France.

On 14 Nov 1660 [her father] Thomas Blagge (age 47) died. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].

On 29 Apr 1661 [her future brother-in-law] William Godolphin 1st Baronet (age 21) was created 1st Baronet Godolphin.

Before 1669 Margaret Blagge (age 16) was appointed Maid of Honour.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Mar 1669. Up, and a while at the office, but thinking to have Mr. Povy's (age 55) business to-day at the Committee for Tangier, I left the Board and away to White Hall, where in the first court I did meet Sir Jeremy Smith, who did tell me that Sir W. Coventry (age 41) was just now sent to the Tower, about the business of his challenging the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), and so was also Harry Saville (age 27) to the Gate-house; which, as [he is] a gentleman, and of the Duke of York's (age 35) bedchamber, I heard afterwards that the Duke of York (age 35) is mightily incensed at, and do appear very high to the King (age 38) that he might not be sent thither, but to the Tower [Map], this being done only in contempt to him. This news of Sir W. Coventry (age 41) did strike me to the heart, and with reason, for by this and my Lord of Ormond's (age 58) business, I do doubt that the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) will be so flushed, that he will not stop at any thing, but be forced to do any thing now, as thinking it not safe to end here; and, Sir W. Coventry (age 41) being gone, the King (age 38) will have never a good counsellor, nor the Duke of York (age 35) any sure friend to stick to him; nor any good man will be left to advise what is good. This, therefore, do heartily trouble me as any thing that ever I heard. So up into the House, and met with several people; but the Committee did not meet; and the whole House I find full of this business of Sir W. Coventry's (age 41), and most men very sensible of the cause and effects of it. So, meeting with my Lord Bellassis (age 54), he told me the particulars of this matter; that it arises about a quarrel which Sir W. Coventry (age 41) had with the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) about a design between the Duke and Sir Robert Howard, to bring him into a play at the King's house, which W. Coventry (age 41) not enduring, did by H. Saville (age 27) send a letter to the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), that he had a desire to speak with him. Upon which, the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) did bid Holmes (age 47), his champion ever since my Lord Shrewsbury's business¹, go to him to know the business; but H. Saville (age 27) would not tell it to any but himself, and therefore did go presently to the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), and told him that his uncle Coventry (age 41) was a person of honour, and was sensible of his Grace's liberty taken of abusing him, and that he had a desire of satisfaction, and would fight with him. But that here they were interrupted by my Lord Chamberlain's (age 67) coming in, who was commanded to go to bid the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) to come to the King (age 38), Holmes (age 47) having discovered it. He told me that the King (age 38) did last night, at the Council, ask the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), upon his honour, whether he had received any challenge from W. Coventry (age 41)? which he confessed that he had; and then the King (age 38) asking W. Coventry (age 41), he told him that he did not owne what the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) had said, though it was not fit for him to give him a direct contradiction. But, being by the King (age 38) put upon declaring, upon his honour, the matter, he answered that he had understood that many hard questions had upon this business been moved to some lawyers, and that therefore he was unwilling to declare any thing that might, from his own mouth, render him obnoxious to his Majesty's displeasure, and, therefore, prayed to be excused: which the King (age 38) did think fit to interpret to be a confession, and so gave warrant that night for his commitment to the Tower. Being very much troubled at this, I away by coach homewards, and directly to the Tower, where I find him in one Mr. Bennet's house, son to Major Bayly, one of the Officers of the Ordnance, in the Bricke Tower [Map]² where I find him busy with my Lord Halifax (age 35) and his brother (age 50); so I would not stay to interrupt them, but only to give him comfort, and offer my service to him, which he kindly and cheerfully received, only owning his being troubled for the King (age 38) his master's displeasure, which, I suppose, is the ordinary form and will of persons in this condition. And so I parted, with great content, that I had so earlily seen him there; and so going out, did meet Sir Jer. Smith going to meet me, who had newly been with Sir W. Coventry (age 41). And so he and I by water to Redriffe [Map], and so walked to Deptford, Kent [Map], where I have not been, I think, these twelve months: and there to the Treasurer's house, where the Duke of York (age 35) is, and his Duchess (age 31); and there we find them at dinner in the great room, unhung; and there was with them my Lady Duchess of Monmouth (age 31), the Countess of Falmouth (age 24), Castlemayne (age 28), Henrietta Hide (age 23) (my Lady Hinchingbroke's (age 24) sister), and my Lady Peterborough (age 47). And after dinner Sir Jer. Smith and I were invited down to dinner with some of the Maids of Honour, namely, Mrs. Ogle (age 17), Blake (age 16), and Howard (age 18), which did me good to have the honour to dine with, and look on; and the Mother of the Maids, and Mrs. Howard (age 43), the mother of the Maid of Honour of that name, and the Duke's housekeeper here. Here was also Monsieur Blancfort (age 28), Sir Richard Powell, Colonel Villers (age 48), Sir Jonathan Trelawny (age 46), and others. And here drank most excellent, and great variety, and plenty of wines, more than I have drank, at once, these seven years, but yet did me no great hurt. Having dined and very merry, and understanding by Blancfort (age 28) how angry the Duke of York (age 35) was, about their offering to send Saville to the Gate-house, among the rogues; and then, observing how this company, both the ladies and all, are of a gang, and did drink a health to the union of the two brothers, and talking of others as their enemies, they parted, and so we up; and there I did find the Duke of York (age 35) and Duchess (age 31), with all the great ladies, sitting upon a carpet, on the ground, there being no chairs, playing at "I love my love with an A, because he is so and so: and I hate him with an A, because of this and that:" and some of them, but particularly the Duchess (age 31) herself, and my Baroness Castlemayne (age 28), were very witty. This done, they took barge, and I with Sir J. Smith to Captain Cox's; and there to talk, and left them and other company to drink; while I slunk out to Bagwell's; and there saw her, and her mother, and our late maid Nell, who cried for joy to see me, but I had no time for pleasure then nor could stay, but after drinking I back to the yard, having a month's mind para have had a bout with Nell, which I believe I could have had, and may another time.

Note 1. Charles II wrote to his sister (age 24) (Henrietta, Duchess of Orléans), on March 7th, 1669: "I am not sorry that Sir Will. Coventry has given me this good occasion by sending my Lord of Buckingham (age 41) a challenge to turne him out of the Councill. I do intend to turn him allso out of the Treasury. The truth of it is, he has been a troublesome man in both places and I am well rid of him" (Julia Cartwright's "Madame", 1894, p. 283).

Note 2. The Brick Tower [Map] stands on the northern wall, a little to the west of Martin tower, with which it communicates by a secret passage. It was the residence of the Master of the Ordnance, and Raleigh was lodged here for a time.

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Evelyn's Diary. 30 Jun 1669. my wife (age 34) went a journey of pleasure down the river as far as the sea, with Mrs. Howard (age 43) and her daughter (age 18), the Maid of Honor, and others, among whom that excellent creature, Mrs. Blagg (age 16).

Evelyn's Diary. 31 Jul 1672. I entertained the Maids of Honor (among whom there was one (age 19) I infinitely esteemed for her many and extraordinary virtues) at a comedy this afternoon, and so went home.

In 1673. Unknown Painter, possibly Matthew Dixon. Portrait of Margaret Blagge (age 20).

Evelyn's Diary. 15 Dec 1674. Saw a comedy at night, at Court, acted by the ladies only, among them Lady Mary (age 1) and Ann (age 13), his Royal Highness' (age 44) two daughters, and my dear friend Mrs. Blagg (age 22), who, having the principal part, performed it to admiration. They were all covered with jewels.

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Dec 1674. Was at the repetition of the "Pastoral", on which occasion Mrs. Blagg (age 22) had about her near £20,000 worth of jewels, of which she lost one worth about £80, borrowed of the Countess of Suffolk (age 52). The press was so great, that it is a wonder she lost no more. The Duke (age 41) made it good.

Evelyn's Diary. 16 May 1675. This day was my dear friend, Mrs. Blagg (age 22), married at the Temple Church [Map] to my friend, [her husband] Mr. Sidney Godolphin (age 29), Groom of the Bedchamber to his Majesty (age 44).

On 16 May 1675 Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin (age 29) and Margaret Blagge (age 22) were married.

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Oct 1675. Lord Berkeley (age 47) coming into Council, fell down in the gallery at Whitehall [Map], in a fit of apoplexy, and being carried into my Lord Chamberlain's (age 57) lodgings, several famous doctors were employed all that night, and with much ado he was at last recovered to some sense, by applying hot fire pans and spirit of amber to his head; but nothing was found so effectual as cupping him on the shoulders. It was almost a miraculous restoration. The next day he was carried to Berkeley House [Map]. This stopped his journey for the present, and caused my stay in town. He had put all his affairs and his whole estate in England into my hands during his intended absence, which though I was very unfit to undertake, in regard of many businesses which then took me up, yet, upon the great importunity of my lady (age 23) and [her husband] Mr. Godolphin (age 30) (to whom I could refuse nothing) I did take it on me. It seems when he was Deputy in Ireland, not long before, he had been much wronged by one he left in trust with his affairs, and therefore wished for some unmercenary friend who would take that trouble on him; this was to receive his rents, look after his houses and tenants, solicit supplies from the Lord Treasurer (age 43), and correspond weekly with him, more than enough to employ any drudge in England; but what will not friendship and love make one do?.

Evelyn's Diary. 10 Nov 1675. Being the day appointed for my Lord Ambassador (age 47) to set out, I met them with my coach at New Cross. There were with him my Lady his wife, and my dear friend, Mrs. Godolphin (age 23), who, out of an extraordinary friendship, would needs accompany my lady to Paris [Map], and stay with her some time, which was the chief inducement for permitting my son (age 20) to travel, but I knew him safe under her inspection, and in regard my Lord (age 47) himself had promised to take him into his special favor, he having intrusted all he had to my care.

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Apr 1676. I had now notice that my dear friend Mrs. Godolphin (age 23), was returning from Paris [Map]. On the 6th, she arrived to my great joy, whom I most heartily welcomed.

Evelyn's Diary. 07 May 1676. I spoke to the Duke of York (age 42) about my Lord Berkeley's (age 74) going to Nimeguen. Thence, to the Queen's Council at Somerset House [Map], about Mrs. Godolphin's (age 23) lease of Spalding [Map], in Lincolnshire.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 Sep 1676. To London, to take order about the building of a house, or rather an apartment, which had all the conveniences of a house, for my dear friend, [her husband] Mr. Godolphin (age 31) and lady (age 24), which I undertook to contrive and survey, and employ workmen until it should be quite finished; it being just over against his Majesty's (age 46) wood-yard by the Thames side, leading to Scotland Yard.

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Oct 1676. I went with Mrs. Godolphin (age 24) and my wife (age 41) to Blackwall [Map], to see some Indian curiosities; the streets being slippery, I fell against a piece of timber with such violence that I could not speak nor fetch my breath for some space; being carried into a house and let blood, I was removed to the water-side and so home, where, after a day's rest, I recovered. This being one of my greatest deliverances, the Lord Jesus make me ever mindful and thankful!

Evelyn's Diary. 31 Oct 1676. Being my birthday, and fifty-six years old, I spent the morning in devotion and imploring God's protection, with solemn thanksgiving for all his signal mercies to me, especially for that escape which concerned me this month at Blackwall [Map]. Dined with Mrs. Godolphin (age 24), and returned home through a prodigious and dangerous mist.

Evelyn's Diary. 11 Nov 1677. I was all this week composing matters between old Mrs. Howard (age 51) and Sir Gabriel Sylvius, upon his long and earnest addresses to Mrs. Anne (age 24), her second daughter, maid of honor to the Queen (age 38). My friend, Mrs. Godolphin (age 25) (who exceedingly loved the young lady) was most industrious in it, out of pity to the languishing knight; so as though there were great differences in their years, it was at last effected, and they were married the 13th, in Henry VII.'s Chapel [Map], by the Bishop of Rochester (age 52), there being besides my wife (age 42) and Mrs. Graham (age 26), her sister, Mrs. Godolphin (age 25), and very few more. We dined at the old lady's (age 51), and supped at Mr. Graham's (age 28) at St. James's.

Evelyn's Diary. 25 Jul 1678. There was sent me £70; from whom I knew not, to be by me distributed among poor people; I afterward found it was from that dear friend (Mrs. Godolphin (age 25)), who had frequently given me large sums to bestow on charities.

On 03 Sep 1678 [her son] Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin was born to [her husband] Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin (age 33) and Margaret Blagge (age 26) at Whitehall Palace [Map]. His mother died six days later.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Sep 1678. I went to London, to dine with Mrs. Godolphin (age 26), and found her in labor; she was brought to bed of a [her son] son, who was baptized in the chamber, by the name of Francis, the susceptors being [her brother-in-law] Sir William Godolphin (age 38) (head of the family), Mr. John Hervey (age 62), Treasurer to the Queen, and Mrs. Boscawen (age 35), sister to Sir William (age 38) and the [her husband] father (age 33).

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Sep 1678. While I was at church came a letter from [her husband] Mr. Godolphin (age 33), that my dear friend his lady (age 26) was exceedingly ill, and desiring my prayers and assistance. My wife (age 43) and I took boat immediately, and went to Whitehall [Map], where, to my inexpressible sorrow, I found she had been attacked with a new fever, then reigning this excessive hot autumn, and which was so violent, that it was not thought she could last many hours.

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Sep 1678. She died in the 26th year of her age, to the inexpressible affliction of her dear [her husband] husband (age 33), and all her relations, but of none in the world more than of myself, who lost the most excellent and inestimable friend that ever lived. Never was a more virtuous and inviolable friendship; never a more religious, discreet, and admirable creature, beloved of all, admired of all, for all possible perfections of her sex. She is gone to receive the reward of her signal charity, and all other her Christian graces, too blessed a creature to converse with mortals, fitted as she was, by a most holy life, to be received into the mansions above. She was for wit, beauty, good nature, fidelity, discretion, and all accomplishments, the most incomparable person. How shall I ever repay the obligations to her for the infinite good offices she did my soul by so often engaging me to make religion the terms and tie of the friendship there was between us! She was the best wife, the best mistress, the best friend, that ever husband had. But it is not here that I pretend to give her character, HAVING DESIGNED TO CONSECRATE HER WORTHY LIFE TO POSTERITY.

On 09 Sep 1678 Margaret Blagge (age 26) died in childbirth at Whitehall Palace [Map]. She was buried at St Breage's Church, Breage.

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Sep 1678. She was, accordingly, carried to Godolphin, in Cornwall, in a hearse with six horses, attended by two coaches of as many, with about thirty of her relations and servants. There accompanied the hearse her husband's brother, [her former brother-in-law] Sir William (age 38), two more of his brothers, and three sisters; her [her former husband] husband (age 33) was so overcome with grief, that he was wholly unfit to travel so long a journey, till he was more composed. I went as far as Hounslow with a sad heart; but was obliged to return upon some indispensable affairs. The corpse was ordered to be taken out of the hearse every night, and decently placed in the house, with tapers about it, and her servants attending, to Cornwall; and then was honorably interred in the parish church of Godolphin. This funeral cost not much less than £1,000.

Evelyn's Diary. 16 Oct 1678. [her former husband] Mr. Godolphin (age 33) requested me to continue the trust his wife (deceased) had reposed in me, in behalf of his little [her son] son, conjuring me to transfer the friendship I had for his dear wife, on him and his.

Evelyn's Diary. 31 Oct 1678. Being the 58th of my age, required my humble addresses to Almighty God, and that he would take off his heavy hand, still on my family; and restore comforts to us after the death of my excellent friend.

On 15 Sep 1712 [her former husband] Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin (age 67) died. His son [her son] Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin (age 34) succeeded 2nd Earl Godolphin, 2nd Viscount Rialton, 2nd Baron Godolphin of Rialton in Cornwall. Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess Marlborough (age 31) by marriage Countess Godolphin.

Ancestors of Margaret Blagge 1652-1678