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Biography of Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk 1564-1638
Paternal Family Tree: Knyvet
Maternal Family Tree: Elizabeth Stumpe
1604 Masque of the Twelve Goddesses
1613 Marriage of Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset and Frances Howard
In 1564 Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk was born to Henry Knyvet (age 24) and Elizabeth Stumpe at Charlton-All-Saints, Wiltshire [Map].
On 17 May 1569 George Dacre 5th Baron Dacre Gilsland 9th Baron Greystoke (age 8) died. Baron Greystoke abeyant. There was a dispute as to whether his uncle Leonard Dacre should inherit Baron Dacre Gilsland which would be the case if it was created by letters patent, or whether the Barony was in abeyance between the 5th Baron's three sisters which would be the case of the barony had been created through a writ of summons. Such decisions would normally be referred to the Duke of Norfolk (age 33) in his capacity as Earl Marshal but he, Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk, had married Elizabeth Leybourne Duchess Norfolk, the mother of the three daughters although she had died in the meantime; he was not impartial - the three daughters were now his step-daughters. The matter was referred to Commissioners who decided the Barony had been created by writ between and was, therefore, abeyant between the three daughters who were now the step-daughters of Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk. He, Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk subsequently married his eldest son [her future brother-in-law] Philip Howard 20th Earl of Arundel (age 11) to his eldest step-daughter Anne Dacre Countess Arundel (age 12). After Thomas Howard's execution in 1572 the two remaining daughters, Mary Dacre (age 5) and Elizabeth Dacre (age 4) were married to his two remaining sons [her future husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 7) and [her future brother-in-law] William Howard (age 5) respectively ensuring all of the Dacre and Greystoke wealth and estates in Cumberland, Yorkshire and Northumberland would become the property of the Howard family.
Before 1572 [her future husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 10) and Mary Dacre (age 8) were married. She by marriage Baroness Audley Walden in Essex. She died six years later three months short of her fifteenth birthday. She being his step-sister. An unusual example of a Marriage of Three Sets of Siblings where, in this case, three brothers, married three sisters, who were also step-siblings, as a means of keeping the sisters inheritance. She the daughter of Thomas Dacre 4th Baron Dacre Gilsland 8th Baron Greystoke and Elizabeth Leybourne Duchess Norfolk. He the son of Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 35) and Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk. They were half third cousin once removed.
In 1574 Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 10) inherited Trafalgar House, Charlton-All-Saints [Map] from her father which thereafter became the seat of the Earls of Suffolk.
Before 1580 Richard Rich and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 15) were married.
In 1580 [her husband] Richard Rich died.
In 1581 [her former father-in-law] Robert Rich 2nd Baron Rich of Leez (age 44) died. In 1581 His son [her former brother-in-law] Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 21) succeeded 3rd Baron Rich of Leez.
On 10 Jan 1581 [her former brother-in-law] Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 21) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 18) were married. She by marriage Baroness Rich of Leez. She the daughter of Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 37).
Before 1582 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 20) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 17) were married. She by marriage Baroness Audley Walden in Essex. He the son of Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk and Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk. They were third cousins.
On 13 Aug 1582 [her son] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 20) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 18) at Saffron Walden, Essex [Map].
Around 1583 [her daughter] Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 21) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 19).
In 1584 [her son] Robert Howard was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 22) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 20).
On 08 Oct 1587 [her son] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Berkshire was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 26) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 23) at Saffron Walden, Essex [Map].
On 31 May 1590 [her daughter] Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 28) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 26).
In 1591 [her son] Charles Howard was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 29) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 27).
In 1592 [her son] Henry Howard was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 30) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 28) in Henley In Arden, Warwickshire.
On 19 Oct 1595 [her brother-in-law] Philip Howard 20th Earl of Arundel (age 38) died of dysentery at Tower of London [Map]. He was buried at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Tower of London [Map], reburied at Arundel Cathedral, Sussex [Map] and then reburied in the Fitzalan Chapel, Arundel Castle [Map]. Earl Arundel Sussex, Earl Surrey, Baron Maltravers, Baron Arundel, Baron Mowbray, Baron Segrave forfeit.
He had been imprisoned for ten years and had never seen his son and heir Thomas Howard 21st Earl of Arundel 4th Earl of Surrey 1st Earl Norfolk (age 10) who had been born three months after he was imprisoned.
In 1597 [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 35) was created 1st Baron Howard de Walden by writ of summons. Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 33) by marriage Baroness Howard de Walden. His mother's father was the first and last Baron Audley Walden in Essex.
On 14 Jun 1598 [her father] Henry Knyvet (age 58) died.
In 1599 Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 35) was appointed Keeper of the Jewels to Anne of Denmark Queen Consort Scotland England and Ireland (age 24).
Around 1602 [her son] Edward Howard 1st Baron Howard was born to [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 40) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 38).
In 1603 [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 41) was created 1st Earl Suffolk. Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 39) by marriage Countess Suffolk.
In 1603 [her son-in-law] Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 11) and [her daughter] Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 12) were married. They were separated after the wedding given their young age. Essex went on a European tour from 1607 to 1609. When he returned she avoided him having fallen for [her future son-in-law] Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 16) whilst her husband was away. He was ill with smallpox. She sought an annulment with her father Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex and uncle Henry Howard 1st Earl of Northampton (age 62) acting for her. She maintained the marriage had not been consummated and was examined by ten matrons and two midwives who found her hymen intact. It was widely rumoured at the time that Sir Thomas Monson's (age 38) daughter was a substitute, which is possible because she had requested to be veiled during the examination "for modesty's sake". He maintained he was capable with other women, but was unable to consummate his marriage blaming her. She the daughter of [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 41) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 39). He the son of Robert Devereux 2nd Earl Essex and Frances Walsingham Countess Essex (age 36). They were fourth cousins.
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.
[her daughter] Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury (age 21) played Tethys.
In 1605 [her former brother-in-law] Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 45) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 41) were divorced.
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.
[her sister] Frances Knyvet Lady Bevill (age 39) played Notis.
Anne St John Lady Effingham (age 30) played Psychrote.
[her daughter] 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.
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), [her daughter] Elizabeth Howard (age 22), Walsingham (age 36) and [her sister] 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 23 Dec 1605 [her son-in-law] William Knollys 1st Earl Banbury (age 61) and [her daughter] Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury (age 22) were married. She by marriage Baroness Knollys. The difference in their ages was 39 years. She the daughter of [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 44) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 41). They were third cousin once removed.
In 1612 [her son] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk (age 29) and [her daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk (age 13) were married. She the daughter of George Home 1st Earl Dunbar and Elizabeth Gordon Countess Dunbar (age 37). He the son of [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 50) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 48).
On 25 Sep 1613 [her son-in-law] Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 22) and [her daughter] Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 23) marriage annulled by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 47). She married [her future son-in-law] Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 26) three months later.
On 26 Dec 1613 [her son-in-law] Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 26) and [her daughter] Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 23) were married. She by marriage Countess Somerset. She the daughter of [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 52) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 49).
Her marriage with her first husband [her son-in-law] Robert Devereux 3rd Earl Essex (age 22) had been annulled on the grounds of his impotence three months before causing something of a scandal.
In 1614 [her son] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Berkshire (age 26) and [her daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Cecil Countess Berkshire (age 18) were married. She the daughter of William Cecil 2nd Earl Exeter (age 48) and Elizabeth Drury Countess Exeter (age 35). He the son of [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 52) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 50). They were fourth cousins.
Before 1616 [her son] Henry Howard (age 24) and [her daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Bassett Countess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 23) were married. He the son of [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 54) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 51).
Around 1616 William Larkin (age 34). Portrait of Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 52).
In 1616 [her former brother-in-law] Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 56) and Frances Wray Countess Warwick were married. She by marriage Baroness Rich of Leez.
In 1618 [her former brother-in-law] Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 58) was created 1st Earl Warwick. Frances Wray Countess Warwick by marriage Countess Warwick.
On 20 Mar 1619 [her former brother-in-law] Robert Rich 1st Earl Warwick (age 59) died. His son Robert Rich 2nd Earl Warwick (age 31) succeeded 2nd Earl Warwick, 4th Baron Rich of Leez. Frances Hatton Countess Warwick (age 29) by marriage Countess Warwick.
He was buried at St Lawrence's Church, Snarford [Map]. Unusual head and shoulder portrait sculpture of deceased full face, with a profile of his wife Frances Wray Countess Warwick behind, set in a circular medallion. To either side are pelleted Pilasters supporting an entablature with scrolled Cartouche of arms and flanked by heraldic supporters. The whole is painted and gilded and beneath is a panel containing an inscribed poem. Above his Arms implaled with hers. His are quartered 1&4 Rich Arms 2&3 Baldry Arms (his mother), hers quartered 1&4 Wray 2&3 Unknown. the monument is perhaps the work of Epiphanius Evesham. Sculpted by Epiphanius Evesham.
Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 20 Nov 1619. The 20th my Lord and Lady Suffolk1 were sent to the Tower.
Note 1. [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 58) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 55).
Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 28 Nov 1619. The 28th though I kept my chamber altogether yet methinks the time is not so tedious to me as when I used to be abroad.
About this time I received letters from Mr Davis by which I perceived how ill things were likely to go in Westmoreland especially with Mr Hilton and Michael Brunstall.1
Note 1. About this time of my Lord's (age 30) being at London he kept a great table having a great company of Lords and gentlemen that used to dine with him.
All this winter my Lady Margaret’s speech was very ill so as strangers cannot understand her, besides she was so apt to take cold and so out of temper that it grieved me to think of it. I verily believe all these inconveniences proceed from some distemper in her head.
The 29th of November was the last time my Lord came to my Lady Penniston’s (age 19) at her Mother’s lodgings in the Strand. The 30th my Lord and Lady Suffolk1 came out of the Tower.
Note 1. [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 58) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 55)
Around 1624 [her son] Edward Howard 1st Baron Howard (age 22) and [her daughter-in-law] Mary Boteler Baroness Howard were married. He the son of [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 62) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 60).
On 28 May 1626 [her husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 64) died at Charing Cross [Map]. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. His son [her son] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk (age 43) succeeded 2nd Earl Suffolk. [her daughter-in-law] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk (age 27) by marriage Countess Suffolk.
Around 30 Jun 1632 [her son-in-law] Edward Vaux 4th Baron Vaux Harrowden (age 43) and [her daughter] Elizabeth Howard Countess Banbury (age 49) were married some five weeks after the death of her first husband [her former son-in-law] William Knollys 1st Earl Banbury (age 88) on 25 May 1632. They, Edward and Elizabeth, when teenagers, had been subject to marriage negotiations which broke down as a consequence of the Gunpowder Plot and she had married William Knollys 1st Earl Banbury some forty years her senior. She the daughter of [her former husband] Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 68).
On 23 Aug 1632 [her daughter] Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset (age 42) died.
[her daughter] Margaret Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
[her son] John Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
[her son] William Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
[her daughter] Emily Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
[her daughter] Gertrude Howard was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk.
Kings Wessex: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 13 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 14 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of King Duncan I of Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 13 Grand Daughter of Louis VII King Franks
Kings France: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of Robert "Pious" II King France
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Knyvet
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Knyvet
Great x 2 Grandfather: Edmund Knyvet 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Grey 6 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Grey 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Knyvet 9 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
GrandFather: Henry Knyvet of Charlton Wiltshire 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Howard 4 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Mowbray Baroness Grey Ruthyn 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: William Moleyns 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Moleyns 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Muriel Howard Viscountess Lisle 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Tilney
Great x 3 Grandfather: Frederick Tilney
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Lawrence Cheney
Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cheney 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Cockayne 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Father: Henry Knyvet 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Pickering
Great x 3 Grandfather: James Pickering
Great x 2 Grandfather: James Pickering 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Lascelles 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Grey 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: Christopher Pickering 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England
GrandMother: Anne Pickering 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Lewknor
Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Lewknor
Great x 2 Grandfather: Roger Lewknor
Great x 1 Grandmother: Jane Lewknor 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Tuchet 5th Baron Audley, 2nd Baron Tuchet 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Tuchet 6th Baron Audley, 3rd Baron Tuchet 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Ros Baroness Audley Heighley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Tuchet 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Echingham 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Echingham Baroness Audley Heighley 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Knyvet
Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England
Mother: Elizabeth Stumpe