Biography of Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough 1603-1671

Paternal Family Tree: Howard

Maternal Family Tree: Isabel Pigot 1550

On 7th February 1597 [her father] William Howard 3rd Baron Howard of Effingham (age 19) and [her mother] Anne St John Lady Effingham (age 22) were married. He the son of [her grandfather] Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham (age 61) and [her grandmother] Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham (age 47). They were third cousins.

In 1603 Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough was born to [her father] William Howard 3rd Baron Howard of Effingham (age 25) and [her mother] Anne St John Lady Effingham (age 28).

In 1608 Henry Mordaunt 4th Baron Mordaunt (age 41) died. His son [her future husband] John succeeded 5th Baron Mordaunt.

On 28th November 1615 [her father] William Howard 3rd Baron Howard of Effingham (age 37) died.

Before 1621 John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough and Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 17) were married.

On 15th November 1621 [her son] Henry Mordaunt 2nd Earl Peterborough was born to [her husband] John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough and Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 18). He married 1644 Penelope O'Brien Countess Peterborough, daughter of Barnabas O'Brien 6th Earl Thomond and Anne or Mary Fermor, and had issue.

On 18th June 1626 [her son] John Mordaunt 1st Viscount Mordaunt was born to [her husband] John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough and Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 23) at Lowick, Northamptonshire. He married 7th May 1657 his second cousin once removed Elizabeth Carey Viscountess Mordaunt and had issue.

Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes

Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 9th March 1628 [her husband] John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough was created 1st Earl Peterborough. Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 25) by marriage Countess Peterborough.

Around 7th June 1638 [her mother] Anne St John Lady Effingham (age 63) died.

On 18th June 1642 [her husband] John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough died. His son Henry (age 20) succeeded 2nd Earl Peterborough, 6th Baron Mordaunt.

In 1644 Henry Mordaunt 2nd Earl Peterborough (age 22) and Penelope O'Brien Countess Peterborough (age 22) were married. She by marriage Countess Peterborough. She the daughter of Barnabas O'Brien 6th Earl Thomond and Anne or Mary Fermor (age 52). He the son of John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough and Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 41).

On 21st July 1646 [her son-in-law] Thomas Howard 2nd Baron Howard (age 20) and Elizabeth Mordaunt Baroness Howard were married. She the daughter of John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough and Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 43). They were half fourth cousin once removed.

On 21st March 1656 James Ussher (age 75) died at the house of Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 53) in Reigate, Surrey [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary. 14th February 1657. To London, where I found Mrs. Cary; next day came Mr. Mordaunt (age 30) (since Viscount Mordaunt), younger son to the Countess of Peterborough (age 54), to see his mistress, bringing with him two of my Lord of Dover's (age 77) daughters: so, after dinner, they all departed.

On 7th May 1657 John Mordaunt 1st Viscount Mordaunt (age 30) and Elizabeth Carey Viscountess Mordaunt (age 25) were married. He the son of John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough and Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 54). They were second cousin once removed.

Royalist Conspiracy

John Evelyn's Diary. 31st May 1658. I went to visit my Lady Peterborough (age 55), whose son, Mr. Mordaunt (age 31), prisoner in the Tower [Map], was now on his trial, and acquitted but by one voice; but that holy martyr, Dr. Hewer, was condemned to die without law, jury, or justice, but by a mock Council of State, as they called it. A dangerous, treacherous time!

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

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In 1671 Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough (age 68) died.

[her daughter] Elizabeth Mordaunt Baroness Howard was born to John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough and Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough. She married 21st July 1646 her half fourth cousin once removed Thomas Howard 2nd Baron Howard, son of Edward Howard 1st Baron Howard and Mary Boteler Baroness Howard.

[her daughter] Sophia Mordaunt was born to John Mordaunt 1st Earl Peterborough and Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough. She married before 1707 James Hamilton of Bangor in County Down and had issue.

Royal Ancestors of Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough 1603-1671

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

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 20 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings Godwinson: Great x 18 Grand Daughter of King Harold II of England

Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of King Duncan I of Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 23 Grand Daughter of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King of the Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor

Kings France: Great x 17 Grand Daughter of Hugh I King of the Franks

Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 20 Grand Daughter of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine

Royal Descendants of Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough 1603-1671
Number after indicates the number of unique routes of descent. Descendants of Kings and Queens not included.

Diana Spencer Princess Wales [3]

Ancestors of Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough 1603-1671

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Howard 4 x Great Grand Son of King John 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 Grandfather: William Howard 1st Baron Howard 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Philip Tilney

Great x 3 Grandfather: Hugh Tilney

Great x 2 Grandmother: Agnes Tilney Duchess Norfolk

GrandFather: Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Gamage

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Gamage Baroness Howard 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John St John 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John St John 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Bradshaigh

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret St John 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Morgan ap Jenkin Lord of Langstone

Great x 3 Grandmother: Sybil of Lansgtone Manor

Father: William Howard 3rd Baron Howard of Effingham 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Carey 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Carey 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anna Fulford

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Carey 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Spencer of Spencer Combe

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Spencer 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Beaufort Countess Ormonde 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Boleyn 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Boleyn 1st Earl Wiltshire and Ormonde 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Butler 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Boleyn 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard Countess of Wiltshire and Ormonde 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

GrandMother: Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Morgan

Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Morgan Baroness Hunsdon

Elizabeth Howard Countess Peterborough 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John St John 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John St John 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Bradshaigh

Great x 2 Grandfather: John St John 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Morgan ap Jenkin Lord of Langstone

Great x 3 Grandmother: Sybil of Lansgtone Manor

Great x 1 Grandfather: Oliver St John 1st Baron St John 8 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Waldegrave

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Waldegrave

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Waldegrave 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Wentworth 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margery Wentworth 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

GrandFather: John St John 2nd Baron St John 9 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fisher

Great x 3 Grandfather: Michael Fisher

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Fisher

Great x 1 Grandmother: Agnes Fisher Baroness St John Bletso

Mother: Anne St John Lady Effingham 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Geoffrey Dormer of Thame

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Dormer of Thame and West Wycombe

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Dormer of Wing

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Dormer

GrandMother: Katherine Dormer Baroness St John Bletso

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Catesby

Great x 3 Grandfather: Humphrey Catesby

Great x 2 Grandfather: Anthony Catesby of Whiston

Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy Catesby

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Pigot

Great x 2 Grandmother: Isabel Pigot