morerayf01	Timothy Bailey	Rayfe More	Rayfe More, Groom of the Bedchamber to the Earl of Leycestre	Rayfe was born in the early 1530s, to a family that has been in the service of the Dudley family for generations. He has always known that that is where his destiny lies, and has been with them through good and ill fortune.\n\nSome of his earliest memories were the Dudley sons (primarily Guildford, his favorite, and Robert and Ambrose, who are about the same age as Rayfe) playing "war" using the servant children (including Rayfe) as soldiers and cannon fodder; Rayfe always felt nervous about harming the sons of the Duke of Northumberland and usually "died" quickly.\n\nThe most terrible period of his life was after the Duke maneuvered Jane Grey onto the throne of England, and he, Jane, and her husband Guildford were beheaded for it. Robert, Ambrose and their brother Henry were imprisoned in the Tower of London for a time. Rayfe continued his service there. It turned him strongly anti-Church of Rome, and more precisely, antizealot.\n\nHe mistrusts the Recusants, as well as the Precisionists - he does not wish England to be torn again by matters of religion.\n\nAfter their release, it was decided that Rayfe would be Ambrose's servant, and he served in that role for a couple years. However, after a taxidermy bear with ragged staff in the main hall of one of Ambrose's houses caught flame, and Rayfe took the blame, he was released from Ambrose's service. Robert, who was truly to blame for the incident, was impressed by Rayfe's loyalty, and took him into his service. Ambrose and Rayfe have been uncomfortable around each other since then.\n\nHe is quite impressed by the Queen, who has not let her experiences in the Tower taint her overtly, and has become a fair and benevolent monarch. He constantly hopes that the Queen will finally consent to marry the Earl of Leycestre, partly to further his own station, but also because he feels that they are meant for each other. He realizes this is probably impossible after the manner of the Earl's wife Amy's death, but he still hopes.\n\nHe is married to Margaret, and has two young children, Elizabeth and Guildford. (They are named after Queen Elizabeth and Guildford Dudley.)\n\n[ The known historical facts about Rayfe are relevant to his later years; first, he was present at the wedding of Robert Dudley to Laetitia Knolleys, the Countess of Essex. Second, when Robert wrote his will late in life, he gave it into Rayfe's keeping. ]\n		
horsened02	Patrick Bailey	Edward Horsey	Sir Edward Horsey, Captain of the Isle of Wight	Edward was born to Jasper and Magdalene Horsey, a family of considerable note in Dorset. Because he would receive no inheritance and spurred by a lust for adventure, Edward sought his fortune early on the battlefield. He and his brother, Francis, fought in the emperor’s wars on the continent. In 1556 he took part in a plot against Queen Mary. He traveled to France to meet with King Henry II in order to garner his open support for the venture. The treachery was discovered and only his absence was to thank for his continued life. He continued to live in exile in France until Elizabeth took the throne. On his return to England he was united with a friend of his from years before, Lord Robert Dudley. Edward quickly found himself one of the Duke’s son’s closest companions.\nEdward took back to serving the English crown in war. He accompanied the Earl of Warwick to Havre, where the English suffered a disastrous defeat from the French. In 1565 he was appointed to the Isle of Wight which he earned the captaincy to within a year. At the outbreak of the Northern Rebellion Horsey was dispatched at the head of five hundred cavalry to defend the crown. He fervently assisted in crushing the rebels and followed hard their retreat. Queen Elizabeth used Edward as an ambassador to negotiate the pacification between the French King and the Huguenots. Several other occasions he was sent to the Netherlands to treat with Don John of Austria with regard to Spanish Protestants and English merchants.\nEdward Horsey is called a pirate by many and a soldier-of-fortune by others. He wears both of these monikers with pride. He is a born adventurer and a keen mind for matters of war. He takes his duties on the Isle of Wight very seriously. To him, he is the first line of defense, the vanguard, against a foreign threat. He zealously repairs and improves the defenses of ‘his island’. Rarely does he leave its shores, save for the Queens call. He is not used to the rigors of court. He enjoys a simple life of simple pleasures. He joined the entourage’s arrival in Bristol in order to remind Leycestre of these very things.\nHis loyalty to ‘Her Glorious Resplendent Majesty’ is beyond reproach. Edward had the pleasure to meet the Princess Elizabeth betimes as a young man, through his Dudley friendship. It was then that he saw her as the true child of King Henry. For this reason and his religion he contrived to remove Mary from the throne for her sister. He will exult the day he is given the opportunity to lay his life down for his Queen.\nEdward holds his Protestant beliefs close to heart. While he may not speak often of his beliefs, he borders on a zealot. His distrust and dislike of Catholics is extreme, especially Spanish. He does little to obfuscate these feelings from those around him.\nRobert Dudley, now the Earl of Leycestre, is Edward’s oldest and closest friend. He has seen times when both the great peer and the Queen herself were out of favor and under threat of death. He will refer to Leycestre as ‘Robert’ but only in casual company. Often Edward will use accolades that Her Majesty has yet to shower upon him (i.e. ‘Your Excellency’) out of jest and respect. Horsey prefers to be called ‘Edward’ or ‘Sir Edward’, but he is also used to being the biggest fish in the pond. Those who are close to him are invited to use the nickname ‘Ned’.	2002/2002_Horsey_Sir_Edward_01.jpg	
leyceerl02	T. Stacy Hicks	Robert Dudley	Sir Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leycestre	Sir Robert Dudley, Baron of Denbeigh and Earl of Leycester, Privy Councilor, Knight of the Garter, Chancellor of Oxford University, and Master of the Horse. Born in 1532 to John Dudley and Jane Guildeford, the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Leycester is the fifth of thirteen children. Of these thirteen children he has only three remaining siblings; Ambrose Earl of Warwick, Mary Lady Sidney, and Catherine Countess of Huntingdon. The struggle to restore the family fortunes after the disgrace and execution of their father, brother, and grandfather has been a long one. Though younger than his brother Warwick, Leycester is the acknowledged leader of the now glittering Dudley family. The prestige of the Dudley family lies solely in their closeness to the Queen. Warwick serves as a Privy Councilor and the Queen’s Master of the Ordinance, while both Lady Sidney and Lady Huntingdon have served at various times in the Queen’s Bedchamber.\n\nThe office of Master of the Horse keeps Leycester ever at the Queen’s side for all state and ceremonial occasions. Though the office has historically been more decorative than functional, Leycester has embraced it with a genuine passion. He is a superb rider himself and spends many hours in the Royal Stables training the horses, improving blood lines, and overseeing all of the many tasks necessary to transport the Royal Household. Indeed, the transportation of the entire court as well as their baggage while on Progress falls to him and his officers and grooms. The office of Master of the Horse carries with it a large budget as well as a considerable staff of officers, equeries, grooms, aveners, clerks, farriers, and baggage-men, but such is his devotion to this work that he will often oversee the work himself to assure that all will be carried out to his exacting standards. Of all of the places that his work requires him to be his favorite is at the Queen’s side for an early morning ride.\n\nHis relationship with the Queen defies any explanation. Theirs is a love for each other that is built on many years of genuine affection. This bond was forged when they were children together at King Henry’s court and continued through the tumultuous years of King Edward and Queen Mary’s reigns. They were prisoners at the same time in the Tower and have both known what it was to be under sentence of death. Leycester is certain that the Queen loves him as much as he loves her, and is convinced that if she will only heed her heart she will make the right choice and marry him. He is one of the few men that can speak openly to her and will often be sent in by the Privy Council to calm the Royal Anger after a temperamental episode. As there is no male sovereign many of the state duties that would fall to that person are often handled by Leycester. His frustrations at her indecisiveness causes him to vacillate between being besotted by the Queen and cursing all women for their inconstancy. His desire to have a son and forward the Dudley line is all consuming, and he will be jealous and vengeful of anyone that he sees as an obstacle to that end. For this reason, those in the court who do not like him at least have a hardy respect for him, and will do almost whatever is necessary to stay well on his good side. Since the death of Leycester’s wife Amy, the courts of Europe have waited with baited breath to see what will happen next. In the years since that tragedy Leycester has grown anxious because of the Queen’s lack of commitment and he has begun to look for other candidates for his hand.\n\nHis love for the Queen is all consuming, but when it comes right down to it the Earl is, after all, a man. This will lead him to be governed not by his head but by his desires. This lapse of judgment caused him to instigate a flirtation with Lettice Knollys, Viscountess Hereford a few years ago in retaliation to the Queen’s brief flirtation with Sir Thomas Heneage. In Lettice he finds all of the qualities of her Royal Cousin the Queen without any of the constrictions of a crown. Their dalliance was brief, and when the Queen dropped Heneage to return to Leycester he did the same to Lettice. When Lettice returned to court as the Countess of Essex Leycester found that motherhood had only increased her charms and attractions and they were quickly embroiled in their romance. When Leycester moved the Queen to dispatch Lord Essex to Ireland it was with the intention of removing him temporarily, but he had no idea that Essex would die there. Of course the court gossips had already attached him to Lady Essex so it was only natural that Leycester was suspected in having a hand in Essex’s death. The incident shocked all of the parties awake and Lettice quickly withdrew into the country for a period of mourning. Now that Lettice is back at court they have had more occasion to steal away and discover that what was initially lust has developed into a genuine effection for each other, which adds to Leycester’s internal strife. He has been able to spend some time with Lettice’s eldest son, the new Earl of Essex, and in his more sentimental moments it’s easy for him to imagine that this boy should have been their child. With the Queen being consumed in the matter of her own, foreign marriage she has lowered her usual heavy guard and now Leycester and Lettice are able to indulge in each others company. This might well lead to an unforeseen calamity.\n\nLeycestre is attended by a cadre of useful servants and companions. Most hold high positions of responsibility in the great Earl’s household and offices, others are simply sycophants gaining their importance from his. This network of influence has placed his adherents in government positions all over the country, and he has an extensive intelligence system established abroad.\n\nSir Edward Horsey has arrived at the court from his post as Captain of the Isle of Wight and has taken up his place at the Earl’s side for any necessary carousing. If there is no carousing at hand Horsey is sure to instigate it, never being one to allow Leycester to get bogged down with weighty matters. Indeed, Leycester finds Horsey to be a distraction when there’s important work to be done, but Horsey was never one to allow things to get too serious. They’ve known each other for many years and maintained a correspondence during Horsey’s exile under Queen Mary.\n\nLeycestre dotes upon his favorite nephew (and namesake) Sir Robert Sidney and is happy to have him at court. Leycestre is somewhat sympathetic to Robert’s plight as a younger brother of a domineering elder brother so he has taken Robert under his wing in order to instruct him in order that he should take his place as a leader in the Dudley clan. Leycestre is determined to make a good marriage for Robert and is already in discussions with his sister Lady Huntingdon to have him wed to one of her wards, as soon as he feels Robert has sewn a few wild oats.\n\nRayfe More completes the Earl’s circle of companions and serves Leycester as his Gentleman of the Bedchamber. Rayfe has been in service to the Dudley's through the best and worst of times, and even accompanied the family into the Tower for their stay there. Leycester places the highest trust in Rayfe on whom he depends to keep him organized and on time during the course of his busy day. Rayfe carries the keys to Leycestre’s extensive wardrobe and has the tasks of anticipating his master’s fashionable fancies in advance.\n\nLeycester is a devoted family man and much enjoys the company at court of his Sidney nieces and nephews, and will insist on holding any baby brought into his presence. He and his brother Warwick enjoy a close relationship forged through many years of struggle and family tragedy. Though they are both very aware of their dignity they will sometimes forget their social standing and lapse into the antics they enjoyed at a younger age. This is when Warwick will once again assume the role of the elder brother and Robert's ego may suffer as a result. Warwick serves as a constant reminder to his little brother that the Queen’s hand in marriage is the goal and that he must keeps his energies focused in that direction. He and his sister of Huntingdon are as thick as thieves, and they can be often seen in each other's company advancing their plans to rule the world.\n\nThe Dudley family still nurses an insult paid them by Lord and Lady Berkley who had the audacity to rebuke the offer of the Dudley’s Sidney nephews as grooms for the Berkley’s daughters. The proximity of Bristol to Berkley Castle has brought this unpleasant situation to another head as all of the antagonists are at court again. Leycestre is currently forwarding Lady Berkley’s brother, the Duke of Norfolk, as a husband for the Queen of Scots. This has caused Leycester to seek an uneasy alliance with the Berkleys, for the moment.\n\nIn his own mind Leycestre is already king. As such he has little to fear from any member of the court and will have an amiable smile for his most bitter enemy. He is certain of his place at the Queen's side and only an occasional reminder from the Queen keeps him from being insufferable. When these rebukes come from the Royal Hand he will retire into a corner and sulk. This will put him in an ill mood and it is at this time that he is the most dangerous. He will rarely loose his temper so that when he does it carries with it all the more ferocity. Otherwise he is a very pleasant companion that many people will seek out. He dances to near perfection, is a superlative jouster and rider, a witty conversationalist, a lover of fine food and drink, and laughs heartily and often. He is the patron of the first acting troupe to receive a Royal commission and also spreads his largesse among a company of singers and a troupe of tumblers, whom he has brought with him to Bristol. The Queen's Phoole Jane is one of his favorite companions and they are known for their late evening gambling parties. He has never met a woman that he doesn't think is beautiful and he is well known for his charm and grace with the ladies, particularly with the ladies attendant on the Queen as he and his men are often in their company late into the evening.\n\nHe may be addressed as Lord Leycestre, and will tolerate nothing else. His men Blount and More might call him Lord Robert, remembering the days before he was an earl. His sister and brother call him Robin, as does the Queen, who also calls him by their intimate nickname "eyes."	2003/2003_Leycestre_Robert_02.jpg	herald-leicester.gif
elizquee93	Mary Kababik	Elizabeth Tudor	Queen Elizabeth Tudor	SEMPER EADEM: "Be Always One". What does that mean? I really had to give this one some thought. What an odd motto for a woman who flew off the handle at a moment’s notice; for whom PMS seems to have been a normal state. But there are things about Elizabeth that are consistent, that are "always one". I will concentrate on these, and build on them. Elizabeth is totally, passionately devoted to ruling England, and ruling it well. Nothing else is as important: not love, not the fear of growing old alone, not sexual desire, not personal preferences in matters of religion, not the fear of assassination, not any other country or peoples, not even those individuals whom she loves. These "nots" are made somewhat easier to live with by two other characteristics: her ability to win the loyalty and the love of her subjects (which replaces other loves) by her total devotion to duty; and her loathing of being dominated in any way by any man. The woman in her may sometimes long to "give" herself to a man, but the Queen in her hates the thought of losing the power she has. The Queen part always wins out. She may also actually fear the sexual act, and probably fears childbirth. However, flirtation is enjoyable, rewarding - it has to make up for lots of things that are missing.\n\nNaturally Elizabeth is jealous and disappointed when men pay attention to other women. Elizabeth is vain. Elizabeth loves to win, and to be the best at whatever she puts her hand to. She is highly intelligent, to the point of brilliance. Elizabeth loves riding, so she must like horses also. She wants to stay on the throne, she wants to preserve the monarchy and majesty, and she will do whatever these things require. She loves the very young and respects the elderly, so she will tolerate much from them. She tolerates almost nothing from anyone in between - meaning, she is short-tempered, and feels in no way called upon to control or conceal this. Yes, she is humbled by and tender about the love and personal loyalty shown to her. Elizabeth is clever, and can be diplomatic and dissembling when it is required. She loves music and loves to dance and sing. Elizabeth likes beautiful clothes, beautiful jewelry, and handsome men. She is sentimental. She is aware of conditions and problems in her own country, and is also well versed in foreign affairs. Elizabeth loves to go among her people. Elizabeth is fairly tolerant of different religions except if they threaten her throne. Elizabeth knows how to do all the things that a woman of her time and a Princess should know how to do. Elizabeth believes that she was put here by God to rule England.\n\nShe is a very complex woman!\n	2001/2001_Tudor_Elizabeth_01.jpg	herald-tudor.gif
parkarch02	Ron Cassidente	Matthew Parker	Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury	On the sixth day of August 1504 Matthew Parker, son of William and Alice Parker was born in the city of Norwich. William was a worsted weaver and wool merchant. He died when his son was 12. The Parker family was well respected in Norwich. In 1450, Nicholas Parker, Mathew’s great grandfather was appointed as Keeper of the Court of Canterbury. Nicholas could have been wealthy by demanding bribes for ecclesiastical court favours. Instead, he established the gentility of his family through his honesty and was rewarded with a coat of arms. The shield bore a crest of an elephant’s head. Matthew proudly displayed this symbol on many occasions. His mother was a well-educated woman who could converse in both Latin and Greek. Of his five siblings little is known. Except for his brother Thomas who became Sheriff and then Mayor of Norwich. \n\nSometime between the age of 17 to 19, Matthew mounted his horse and rode to enroll in Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He was an ardent and thoughtful student and excelled in Latin, Greek, Hermeneutics and classical study. He graduated in 1525 with his BA and received his MA in 1527. He was then ordained into the Catholic Priesthood. He received is Doctorate three years later.\n\nDuring that time he was joined a radical group of reformers. A shy retiring scholar named Thomas Bilney led these young clerics. Bilney introduced Parker to teachings of Erasmus and Luther. Bilney sparked a new fire for religious zeal in many of Parker’s contemporaries. His fiery preaching put him under suspicion of Henry VIII who had him arrested and questioned under torture. Bilney recanted his reformist ideas. Four years later Bilney voluntarily turned himself into the authorities, again supporting church reform. He was arrested and condemned as a heretic and sentenced to burn at the stake in Norwich. Parker was drawn to Norwich to be with his friend and watch his death. Upon seeing the brave little man tied to the stake to suffer a tortuous death, Parker resolved never to support execution of other Christians for their differences in religious belief.\n\nThen a completely unexpected interlude in his life occurred. On his travels Matthew would stop at the home of friends, the Harlestone family. He became acquainted with the Harlestone’s daughter Margaret. She was known for her wit, intelligence, and was "very comely". Parker was enthralled, in spite of his vows of Celibacy! She was much taken with the good Doctor Parker, his wise speech, gentle ways and strong kind voice. Historian John Styrpe wrote in the 1700’s "They were very dear to one another. He knowing her to be chaste and pious, entered into an agreement with her to abstain from wedlock, the law having made it a felony for one in Orders to marry." Their vows of affiance made, the romance was doomed to end as Parker rode off celibate. Margaret waited for seven long years. She rebuffed all suitors. Then, in 1547 following the death of King Henry, change came and new laws were passed condemning celibacy.\n\nOn June 24, 1547 Matthew age 44 and Margaret age 28 were married. They had four sons. Two died shortly after birth and two lived, to marry well and have children. Margaret was well liked by all. She was an excellent mother, cook, hostess and companion. Even Queen Elizabeth, who much disapproved of clerical marriage and would not allow Margaret in her Court, seemed to begrudgingly approve of her. After being entertained by the Parkers at the Archbishop’s home in Lambeth Palace she remarked, "Madam I may not call you; mistress I am ashamed to call you; so I know not what to call you; but yet I thank you." Parker wrote of her as ‘my most dearly beloved and virtuous wife.’ It hurt Parker deeply when Elizabeth would rail against marriage or slight his marriage or Margaret in public. Of all the hurts he endured, as Archbishop this at times was his greatest Parker’s early years were spent as Master and Dean of Stokes College. He loved the young men and boys who came to learn. He made the campus an architectural place of beauty with wondrous formal gardens. He brought in the best minds from Cambridge to instruct. He was also Chaplain to Queen Anne Boleyn. He is known to have taken her confession three days before she was arrested for treason. Anne made Parker promise to watch after Elizabeth and protect her and see to her religious education. Parker was most surely with Boleyn the day she died. He again observed the cruelty of the crown to one he loved. He maintained her innocence until the day he died and always referred to her as "my dear Queen Anne." Parker's next service was as Master of Corpus Christi College, and Vice Chancellor of Cambridge. At the end of Henry’s reign the King began a sweeping dismantling of church property to be delivered to State coffers. This included Parker’s beloved Stokes College. From then on Parker swore to protect church property from the State.\n\nThen Mary came to the throne. Parker would not renounce his marriage and resigned his positions. One night some overzealous Catholics attempted to arrest Parker, and, " Flying in the night, from such as sought for me to my peril, I fell off my horse so dangerously that I shall never recover it." The family went underground. Parker translated the Psalms into English Poetry and began translation of other books of the Bible into English. He testifies, "The delightful literary leisure to which the good providence of God recalled me yielded me much greater and more solid enjoyments, than my former busy and dangerous life had ever afforded me." This was in stark contrast to the final chapter of his life’s work.\n\nElizabeth became Queen. Parker resisted the entreaties of his good friends Cecil and Bacon who along with the Queen agreed that Parker was the best choice to steer the Church of England between the shoals of the Catholics and the shallow water of the prescients. He wished to be re-appointed to Cambridge, remain an academic and finish his translations. He wrote to Cecil, "you must know mine imperfections, what with my natural viciosty of overmuch shamefastness, I am so babished in myself that I cannot raise up my heart and stomach to talk wit others, which with my pen I can express without much difficulty." Finally, unable to rely on his gambit of procrastination, he rode to London where Cecil and Bacon told him of the Queens desire that he serve as Archbishop of Canterbury. Still reluctant and dreading the task, he wrote Cecil a long letter setting out why he should not serve. He added a lengthy list of characteristics that the Queen should seek in a new Archbishop. Cecil responded that those very qualities were the ones the Queen saw best filled by Parker. Matthew remembered his promise to Queen Anne to protect Elizabeth and care for her religious concerns. He went to London. On December 17 1559, Parker was consecrated in the Chapel of Lambeth Palace in London as the 70th Archbishop of Canterbury.\n\nImmediately Parker began serving the Church and the political needs of the Queen. Under the Supremacy Act he began the arduous process of overseeing visitations to all parishes to assure that Bishops and clerics submitted to the oath of Allegiance renouncing the Roman Catholic Church and swearing Allegiance to the Church of England, the Book of Common Prayer and the Queen. Those unwilling to recant were removed from their prebends and faced with arrest that could lead to punishment by death for treason. Parker never enforced this tenet. He also busied himself revising the Book of Common Prayer and edited and helped translate the Bishop’s Bible.\n\nThe years as Archbishop were most unhappy and wearing. He would not have endured without the support of Margaret. Parker was ground down between Papists on one side and Puritans on the other all attacking the Church and him personally. The Queen also rudely ordered him to root out disaffection and lack of uniformity with comments that he and the other Bishops were lackadaisical. When he would step up the attack on papist and puritan alike and appeal to the Queen for support he would find only silence. Failing a direct order from the Queen he would publish new rules and guidelines under his own title only to be attacked and ridiculed even more. Parker found himself at odds with the Queen over her Catholic artifacts in her chapel. He confronted the Queen when she attempted to diminish Church property necessary to the work of church. He was in constant entreaty for funds to complete the tasks of the church assigned to him by the Queen. Often Leicester would intervene with the Queen to favour his Puritan friends whom Parker had moved against. Leicester seemed to do whatever he could to thwart the Archbishop’s authority and influence with the Queen. Parker did not enjoy court.\n\nThe Archbishop was steadfast in joining forces to protect Queen Elizabeth from the internal and external threat of Roman Catholics. He did not trust the Spanish. He did all in his powers to diminish the Spanish influence at Court and illegal worship at the Spanish embassy. He supported the "confinement" of Mary Queen of Scots and remarking to Cecil "It was good to have the Wolf by the ears."\n\nMatthew Parker loved the church, his Queen his wife and family. He was an Academician who loved his books, even making and binding them. He loved to eat and entertain guests. When Margaret died in 1570, the light went out of Matthew’s life. He continued to serve his Queen but let his friend Cecil know that he yearned for death and was ready for God’s hand to take him. He died May 17, 1575 at age 71.\n\nMathew Parker tis My Given Name\nYou clete me your Archbishop now\nFrom humble beginnings you know I came\nFain do most of you now to me bow\nMy task to unite all Christians in our land\nThou Papist thou catharan forswearest your tone\nFor peace and tranquility let us stand\nE’en though methinks I often stand alone\nI will serve my Queen, and God, our Lord\nWith steadfast devotion I pray you sing\nThe Via Media to our great England bring\nJoin with your Archbishop in one accord\n	2003/2003_Parker_Archbishop_04.jpg	herald-canterbury.gif
janefool00	Ann-Elizabeth Shapera	Jane the Phoole	Jane the Phoole, Royal Phoole to Her Majesty the Queen	The facts to be found about Jane are these: in real-live history, Jane existed, and she was a fool, and apart from that, not much is known. I've heard that the Queen delighted in having Jane's head randomly shaved, for the Queen's own amusement, for the trouble of which the Maj would pay Jane tuppence. But apart from this tantalizing tidbit, I'm afraid the Encyclopedia Brittanica fills its J volume with more tangible J things.\n\nSo I’ve made up a buncha stuff to fill in the blanks. I decided that, although her current mailing address is Directly In Front Of The Queen’s Kicking Foot, she hails from the port town of (tedious, I know) Bristol. (In Anthony Burgess’s Shakespeare novel, NOTHING LIKE THE SUN, Will cries, "God’s Death, not Bristol! Anywhere but there, God, anywhere but back in Bristol!") Blamed unjustly for a murder wrought by her sister, she fled into the countryside, threw herself on the mercy of various relatives, found work in the household of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, who, finding her pleasant company despite his youth and inattentiveness, befriended her and soon would not travel without her in his entourage. Off he went on a big boat to study at Padua, the MIT of the Italian Renaissance, and off she went with him. In Italy, of course, she discovered a wonderful new thing: women were not only allowed to perform onstage as commedia dell’artists, but in some few cases, they actually RAN THE SHOW. (It’s all true!) Imagine her delight! She ditched her job with the Earl and ran away, as they say, to join the circus. (This is all in her young young youth...at this point in the story, she’s only just 14 years old.) Her journey back to England took her, with I Gelosi, a commedia company led by the famous Isabella Andreini, to all the courts of Europe, entertaining this king and that, until Huguenots outside Paris took the troupe prisoner against the Catholic regime. (The Gelosi existed, and the Huguenots did that naughty thing; I just inserted Jane. It’s fun!) Some performers were killed; some escaped. Isabella fled back over the mountains to Milan, eventually (this really happened too); Jane leapt gracefully out of the frying pan into the Lowland fire, where, in the company of English sailors, she made it home again. Her job up until then had been the entertainment of royalty...so...\n\nNow Jane makes the Queen laugh, and sometimes she makes Her really mad, but her job is to say to Her Maj the things everyone else is afraid to say -- and to take a kick in the bumroll when Her Grace is in a foul humour. Back at the Palace in London, Jane’s the Queen’s constant companion, and she’s often Her bedfellow! When Her Grace is on progress, Jane has time to stroll the streets with her nice friend Mr. Whackes and sing "Lo di oh n doh n doh..."\n\nAll new for this year: Meet Mr. Whackes 2000. He’s Y1.574K compliant! (I promise never to ever say that again. Well, maybe just once.)\n\nJane is made of bits of Feste from TWELFTH NIGHT, Dogberry from MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, a dash of Miss Piggy, Snoopy, Tigger, Steve Martin’s Wild and Crazy Guy, Flash Bazbo from the National Lampoon Radio Hour, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, Vizzini the Sicilian, and, um, Roberto Benigni. I think you might like her. I do! Her job is to make fun of everyone, and that includes you. Don’t be scared! She’s all about holding up a mirror to the world to show it its own ridiculousness. She also has the Regent’s ear...IN A BOX! (Not really. Jeepers.) She can amuse and influence the most important person in our Elizabethan world, so...do with that what you like. The Queen may sit and hear out deliberations in the Star Chamber Court...but She always comes home to grump about it all to Jane. The fool comes last in peer precedence, after the household and everybody, and has no title but "Mistress Jane."\n\nThat’s it about Jane. I hope you have fun playing with her this summer. This will be my ninth season performing at Bristol, and my sixth season as Jane.\n\nSinging:\nLo di oh n doh n doh…\nLo di oh n doh....		
infantas01	Carolyn Maragh	Isabella Clara Eugenia	Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia	b: Aug. 12, 1566\nd: Dec. 1, 1633\nMarriage: May 6, 1598\nHusband: Albrecht von Habsburg\nYo estoy Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia von Habsburg. Mi padre esta Felipe von Habsburg – His Royal Catholic Majesty Philip II de Espana, y mi madre esta Elisabeth de Valois, dauther to Catherine de Medici. The most beloved daughter of my father, I was born August 12, 1566 in Segovia, Spain. I am succeeded by an older brother, Don Carlos (successor to the throne of Spain), and a younger sister, Catalina Michaela.\n\nA staunch Catholic, my beliefs are firmly rooted in my faith and the Divine Right of Kings. My loyalty to the true Catholic crown is unbending. Appointed by God, anointed by the Church, and sanctified by the Pope, only a true sovereign can lead his subjects to salvation. The King is of one mind with God and the Church. Without the urle of a Catholic King, humanity turns to savageness. Those who turn their backs on God, the rightful Catholic Sovereign and the Catholic Church shall feel his vengeance in this lifetime or the next, accordingly and justifiably. For this, I am filled with sorrow. My heart cries out for all not of the true Catholic faith. Their pain and suffering shall be endless, but I cannot save them from a fate that they themselves have called upon. I pray for peace for their heretic souls as they prepare to spend eternity in the fiery pits of hell repenting for their sins.\n\nFor the daughter of a King, education is essential. Educated by only the best of private tutors in Spain, I am well-versed in a multitude of languages and subjects. Literature is my favorite. While my true passion lies with my fellow Spaniard Cervantes, I appreciate English authors as well. The poetic writing of Ben Johnson, Christopher Marlowe, and Thomas Nashe do speak to my very soul; however their words are sweetened when spoken in my native tongue.\n\nAs a woman, I highly respect and admire intelligence in the fairer sex. But, this being said, a woman should also recognize her God-given place in the world – for what is a woman without a man to guide her? While being strong in our own respect, a woman cannot do what God has anointed for men. My allegiance lies with my father and I look to him for direction and guidance while I await my betrothal. When I am wed, it shall be not in the name of love, but in the name of Spain. To my father, I shall bring subjects and lands loyal to the Catholic faith. To all countries and lands I shall bring the leadership of a king placed upon the throne by God Himself and given the divine right to rule as he sees fit. My loyalty, my passion and my heart lie with my father, King Philip II, God and Espana.	2003/2003_Infanta_Isabella_02.jpg	
warwierl02	Dave Parsons	Ambrose Dudley	Sir Ambrose Dudley, 1st Earl of Warwick	Ambrose Dudley, was born in 1528, the third son of John Dudley and Jane Guilford, the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. He was given a humanist education along with his siblings under many tutors including Roger Ascham who also tutored the princess Elizabeth. Of 13 children born only five lived to adulthood. He had an older brother John, who became the Earl of Warwick. He also had three younger brothers, Guilford, Robert and Henry as well as two younger sisters, Mary and Catherine. Though keen in his studies, Ambrose, like many of the Dudley children, was restless to do something more than construe Cicero for Ascham. He and his brothers were trained in the martial arts of the time. They would know how to ride and joust, fight with sword or rapier, understand the tactics of the time and learn how to command armies.\n\nIn 1544, Ambrose (then sixteen) and his elder brother John traveled with their father when he led Henry VIII’s armies to assault Boulogne. This was Ambrose’s first sight of warfare and he found it far better than books and maps back in England. Though not allowed in the fighting he was able to observe the battle and see how the armies were handled. He especially enjoyed the mighty cannons that were employed to lay low a strong place, delighting in their sheer power and noise. A year later, in 1545, Ambrose and John were again abroad with their father, this time on shipboard as John Dudley commanded the Royal fleet against the French. This experience gave Ambrose yet greater insight into the theory of warfare and the use of cannon at sea. His time at war with his father was not wasted, in 1549 Robert Kett led a rebellion in the north to stop the enclosing of the common lands, leading 16,000 to blockade Norwich. Ambrose rode with his father and brothers to put the rebellion down.\n\nIn 1552 John Dudley's political maneuverings got the better of him and through bad decisions he and his son1s were thrown into the Tower. After the execution of his father, brother Guilford and sister of the law Jane Grey, Ambrose and his brothers sat in the Tower for nearly a year. The inactivity and uncertainty made a strong impression on Ambrose and the memory of his fathers’ ambitions nearly destroying the family stayed with Ambrose for the rest of his life. When the brothers were released from the Tower, John died of an ague three days later leaving Ambrose, Robert and Henry to go to France to prove their loyalty by fighting for Philip 11 in his St. Quentin Campaign against the French. Despite great victories during a particularly heavy skirmish, Henry is slain while upon his horse, falling into Robert1s arms from his saddle, he gasps his last breath. Henry’s death had a strong impression on the two surviving brothers and a bond already strong was only strengthened between them, the last survivors of a proud house.\n\nQueen Elizabeth comes to the throne in 1558-9 and this brings good tidings for the Dudleys. Ambrose is named Master of Ordnance in 1560, a responsibility for which his time at war has trained him well. His already extensive knowledge of culverins, cannon and demi-cannons comes to the fore. He establishes correspondence with many commanders, curious about the problems they have with their ordnance and many thoughts for the improvement of the same. His office provides him the perfect vehicle for improving the defence of the realm and his influence at the same time. In 1561 at Michaelmas her Grace Elizabeth grants Ambrose, (already Lord of Ruthin), the title Earl of Warwick and the lands attendant. Ambrose has reached a pinnacle unthinkable only a decade before, with security and royal favor showered upon him.\n\nIn 1562 Ambrose is appointed Captain-General of the military expedition to hold the French town of Le Havre for the Huguenots against the Catholic French. This he does until April of 1563 when the French make up their differences and combine to retake the town. The siege is long and horrible, by July Ambrose is granted permission to bring his plague-racked army back to England. Though sorely wounded in the right knee Ambrose returns to England, greeted by his brother Robert at the dockside despite the warning of plague. This wound causes Ambrose much constant pain and he walks with a limp and often a stick. But he has determined to lead an active life just the same: hunting, gaming, dancing and attending to his duties as Master of Ordnance. He is married, and quite happily, to Anne Russell, a daughter of the Earl of Bedford. Named a Privy Councilor in 1572, Ambrose spends more time in the affairs of state than at the fore in battle.\n\nWith many other relations at Court Ambrose is happy to be on Progress. He has much time to see his brother Robert, the Earl of Leicester as well as his nephews Philip, Robert and Thomas Sidney, his nieces Mary and Frances and his many other kinsmen. Though easy in manner, Lord Warwick is the best address to give him.\n	2003/2003_Warwick_Ambrose_01.jpg	herald-warwick.gif
huntierl02	Chris Stryker	Henry Hastings	Sir Henry Lord Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon	I play Huntingdon as if he is in a no-win situation and he resents it. His spleen is ready to be unfitted on any that come in range or just in sight. His one grate devotion is to the Calvinist faith. His one grate regret is his lack of Children. His house, with its 153 wards, is run like a seminary. For those of a similar religious mind a scholarship or the living of one of the many offices at his disposal, the backside of hell on earth for any one else. You could not find a grater miser, nor a more put upon or reluctant host. He is ready to barrow from one and all.\nIn truth Henry Hastings was born at his Family See of Ashby De La Zouch, in Leicestershire to Francis Hastings and Catharine Pole, the then Earl & Countess of Huntington. His Father was a grandson of the Duke of Buckingham; well his Mother was a granddaughter of the Duke of Clarence. This made him a cousin to the kings of England. At an early age he joined Prince Edward at court as classmate and playmate.\nWhen Edward became King, Hastings was caught up in the political intrigues of the Duke of Northumberland. At the age of 18 years he found himself married to the Duke’s 8-year-old daughter Katherine Dudley. It was triple wedding that included Guilford Dudley, Jane Gray, Catherine Gray, and Edward Herbert. He then supported Lady Jane Gray's claim to the English Thrown. For which He was imprisoned in the Tower, but soon Queen Mary released him. For that his mother was the daughter of Queen Mary’s old Governess the Countess of Salisbury. Hastings was then sent to live in the home of his uncle, Cardinal Pole. Pole had just arrived from Rome to become Mary's Chef Prelate and Statesman. Hastings was because of his slight claim to the thrown never allowed to go on the Grand Tour of Europe. The only exception was when The Cardinal took him to Flanders to escort there cousin Prince Philip of Spain to England (Margaret of Burgundy was Philip's grate grandmother and Hastings grate-grate Ant). Living with Cardinal Pole it was hoped would have an influence on his religion. The Cardinal often took Hastings to Smithfield with him to watch the Protestants burn. But Hastings was to firmly entrench in his Calvinist worldview, which had been formed in his years with Prince Edward.\nWhen Elizabeth came to the throne, she made Hastings a Knight of the Bath. She did not give any further honors to him for many years. The Tudors distrusted anyone that might have a claim to their throne. By now an Earl, Hastings claim might have been ignored if he where not, at the time, the only male with a claim (until Mary Stewart gave birth to James). When Elizabeth was dying of smallpox, Robert Dudley hoped to place Hastings on the throne. He had the support of the Earl of Sussex and the Duke of Norfolk. Because of this, Hastings felt left out of Elizabeth's Government. So he asked the Queens leave to sell his lands and raise an army of 10,000 to fight for the Huguenots in France. However the Tudors do not like their cousin raising armies either. Finely Hastings proved his loyalty to the crown during the crisis of the Northern Rebellion, when Elizabeth placed Mary Stewart in his protection. This must have been a trial for them both, for each saw the other as a threat to their own lives and futures. After this the Queen made him a Knight of the Garter. She then chose Hastings to replace the Earl of Sussex as president of the Council of the North, where his Calvinist influence can still be seen today in the religious makeup of those counties. With the threat of the Spanish Armada came new titles and responsibilities. Including being made Lord Lieutenant of all northern counties. He raised and paid for the northern army. He was all but in name Viceroy of the north with 28 tittles and offices. All this was financed on the income of an Earl, which lead to major financial difficulty and a large debt at his death. The debt was so large that neither his wife nor his heir would take possession of his body, and thereby become responsible for Hastings debt. It took the next three generations to pay off.	2003/2003_Huntingdon_Henry_04.jpg	herald-huntingdon.gif
demedamb02	Tony Camera	Vittorio de Medici	Vittorio de Medici, Tuscan Ambassador	Vittorio was born into the Medici family the 1st son of Cosimo de Medici and his mistress Camilla Martelli. With his father having 11 legitimate children Vittorio could only expect modest monetary support from his father. With the death of his father's wife Eleanora de Toledo and four of his children to the plague, Cosimo was able to allocate more money to his two mistresses and his offspring and the children he sired with them. The opportunities that Cosimo's three immediate heirs could not be part of Vittorio's future unless Cosimo formally recognized by him as an heir, which he did not do. Cosimo did recognize two other illegitimate sons who eventually became the first inductees to the Order of St. Stephan. Vittorio and his siblings were given financial backing for schooling and given every opportunity to have at least some chance at a good future as an illegitimate child could expect.\n\nAt age 25 he was given a minor commission on the Tuscan Naval merchant ship Marino Rossa. Before being invested with the title of Grand Duke the Pope demanded that Cosimo’s marry his now only surviving mistress Camilla. Vittorio and siblings were now legitimate and his prospects heightened. Cosimo paid a large sum of money to the Spanish crown and to the Papal seat for the right for all his legitimate male children to carry rank of Count and allow the title to pass to their male offspring in perpetuity. Vittorio was given limited authority to negotiate deals with "free merchants" to move "acquired cargo" through Tuscan ports to waiting buyers, with all the money handling being done through Medici banks. With the re-design of the City of Livorno and the channel to Pisa underway, and no interference for this type of business from Spanish authorities, (who often used the port themselves) Vittorio entrenched himself well with the commercial aspects of his family name.\n\nIn 1571 the Spanish crown with support from the Papal seat requested support from ships of the Tuscan fleet join the Catholic coalition armada from the Spanish, Venetian, and Papal fleets that was heading to do battle with the fleet of Ottoman Sultan Selim. The battle of Lepanto saw the defeat of 117 Ottoman ships in four hours. During the battle, the Captain of the Marino Rossa was killed, which allowed the commission of Captain to be bestowed on Vittorio. For their service in battle he and two of his brothers were knighted into the newly formed Order of St. Stephan and were given accolades by the Spanish crown with induction to the Order of the Golden Fleece.\n\nAfter this time he turned his attentions to trade with England and France. Trade to these ports was brisk as Tuscany carried a great deal of spices, Venetian goods and rare items from the orient. With the ascent of Elizabeth to the English throne he would later find new business in ferrying Catholic refugees to Livorno for their eventual pilgrimage to Rome.\n\nWith the death of his father Cosimo I in April 1574, the 2nd Grand Duke of Tuscany, Francisco de Medici, has sent Vittorio as emissary to announce his official attainment of the title of Grand Duke of Tuscany. Vittorio suspects that he has been sent as an excuse to keep him away from the rest of the legitimate family and prevent the possibility of interruption of the ascendancy of Francisco to the Grand Duchy.\n\nCharacter:\n\nAlthough Vittorio is a staunch Catholic and believes that Protestantism is not a proper way of worshipping God, he tends to let people do as they wish as long they don’t interfere with his practicing own religious belief. He does however, take great exception with the English flagrant disrespect for God, shown through all of their cursing. He respects Elizabeth very much for her power, her political savvy and the circle of great thinkers that she has gathered about herself. He would prefer to live life to it’s fullest, make money and spend time aboard ship.\n\nHistorical Facts:\n\nVittorio is a conglomeration of several fact and events. There is however no real trace that I have uncovered of any of the legitimized children by Cosimo de Medici.\n\nCosimo de Medici had 11 children by Eleanor of Toldeo of whom 5 died. He had at least 2 mistresses and fathered at least 6 other children all of whom were eventually recognized although all were not legitimized. With the marriage of Cosimo to his mistress Camilla, all of the children of that union became were granted titles as Cosimo arranged for all legitimate heirs. The Tuscan navy was not as vast as Spain’s and England’s, nor did they have that military might, but as a merchant fleet, they were responsible for a lot of trade, including a large portion of the fabric trade with England and the continent. The Order of St. Stephan was founded to combat "piracy", which was done with zeal.\n\nThe city of Livorno was not only a center of piracy trade in the Mediterranean for many years especially with Corsican pirates. It later became known as the destination for a large portion of English Catholic refugees who would embark on a pilgrimage to Rome to see hopefully have audience with the Pope, then settling in Europe where ever they were able.		
albreamb02	Erich Taaks	Johann Albrecht	Graf Johann Albrecht, Abgesandter von Hessen	The Person:\n\nJohann Albrecht I is an actual historical figure from my home town in Germany. The town is Braunfels (located in Hessen). Interestingly enough, Braunfels was given its freedom and town status by Graf Johann Albrect in 1607. The Albrecht family lineage continues to this today with Graf Hans Georg, although the family no longer lives in Braunfels.\n\nBorn in 1563 to Grafen Conrad and Graefin Elisabeth von Nassau-Dillenburg. He has two younger brothers; Graf Wilhelm zu Solms Greifenstein and Graf Otto zu Solms Dillenburg.\n\nAt the age of 22 he went to the “court” of Kurfuersten Friedrich IV. While there he lived with Friedrich’s brother Eberhard and his Uncle Graf Johann zu Nassau-Dillenburg.\n\nHe was married to Agnes zu Sayn-Wittgenstein. They had one son, Conrad Ludwig.\n\nDuring the time Johann was Graf, the lands he owned and oversaw experienced great prosperity and growth. Because of the increase in business, trade and agriculture, many villages became towns and cities. The Graf also held the title of regierender Graf der Gesamtgrafschaft. This meant that he was in charge of all of the Grafs in the area. He held this position for 10 years.\n\nGraf Johann Albrecht also hosted Friedrich IV on a 2 day stay at his castle in Braunfels. The visit consited of 250 people and 350 horses. Among these visitors were the Kurfuersten’s wife and two daughters, Princess Christine and Princess Amalie. Pfalzgraf Ludwig Phillip and other Grafs also attended. During their two day stay, they drank over 15,000 liters of Graf Johann’s wine.\n\nGraf Johann Albrecht died in 1623 leaving his son Graf Conrad Ludwig to carry on the Solms Braunfels lineage.\n\nThe Character:\n\nThough the person actually existed, his presence in England is fictitious. After previously failed attempts, Graf Johann has been “asked” to press suit for the Queen’s hand in marriage on behalf of the Arch Duke Charles of Austria. Although the Habsburg Empire did not control the area which Johann ruled, the border was very close and there must have been political relations.\n\nThe Graf is well educated and accustom to Royalty because of his stay with Friedrich IV. He is an accomplished horseman and fencer. Hunting is a favorite pastime. He is also a successful businessman, having amassed a great deal of his through trade and developing the local lands.\n\nReligion:\n\nAlthough the Graf is Catholic, he welcomes the Protestant Religion with open arms, for at the time in the German States, Protestants and Catholics live and worshiped together without conflict. Mixed marriages and the sharing of churches were very common. Johann is a little confused by the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in England.\n\nYou may address him as: Your Excellency, Graf Albrecht. Someone closer to him may call him Graf Johann.		
worcects02	Shanda Louis-Grieb	Elizabeth Hastings	Elizabeth Hastings, Lady Somerset, Countess of Worcester	It is my elder brother Henry, The Earl of Huntingdon, and his wife, Katherine Dudley who play host to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth in this the year of our Lord 1574 (2002). I have joined progress to come to the aid of my dear sister-in-the-law Kate, for it is an awesome task to ready a household for a queen, and I know my brother well. She will need the help!\n\nI grew up in our home, Ashby-de-la-Zouche, with my brothers Henry, George, and numerous other siblings, and upon her marriage to my brother Henry, Katherine Dudley. They had scarce been married when her father, John Dudley, was executed for treason! Father could have had the marriage annulled, but instead looked kindly upon the little girl, for she was barely eight years old, and took her into our home. We became fast friends and as near to sisters as could be. When we are together, even now as grown women we can oft be seen conspiring ways to confound my brother, and giggling like silly girls, and while I am the elder of the two of us Kate is prone toward “mothering” me. It saddens me greatly that she has not been blessed with children of her own, though she and my brother have fostered many.\n\nAh, yes... my brother. Henry and I were constantly at each other as children, always trying to best the other. Though a few years separated us in age, I was a rather robust child and had little trouble keeping up with him. We still argue about two very distinct incidents from childhood.\n\nThe first being my first time at court. I was eager to see the King (Henry VIII), and Henry said the best view would be from the top of Windsor Castle as he approached, so up we went. Once at the top, at Henry's urging I lent out through one of the crenellations as far as I could get. Just then a huge cannon went off to sound the King's arrival. I was sure he had gotten me to that particular spot at that particular moment on purpose just to scare the daylights out of me. My ears rang for days on end, and I was rendered nearly deaf for some time. Many would have you think I still suffer the effects to this day, but I say that’s utter nonsense!\n\nThe second incident occurred in the Royal Gardens at Hampton Court as Catherine Howard arrived. We were chasing after one and other, as children are inclined to, when the King's barge arrived, and we ran to meet it. It was rather wet from a recent rain, and just as Catherine stepped off the barge, Henry, the great oaf, slipped and went crashing down to the ground at her feet, showering a great rain of mud and muck upon her beautiful gown. Well, she was mightily angered and reined such a tirade of curses upon him, that I think he has never recovered his composure. You might have noticed his tendency toward stuttering and long-winded ramblings. Poor lad couldn't get a word in edgewise to save his soul! Of course, to this day he'll tell you I pushed him. Now I ask you, why would I want to do a nasty thing like that? Why, indeed…\n\nAt this time I am married to Edward Somerset, the 4th Earl of Worcester. My good brother in his infinite wisdom ('Yes Henry, I've just paid you a compliment!') arranged our marriage, and happily so. Edward is the most splendid horseman and tilter; a fine figure of a man. Though he remains a devout Catholic while I am true Church of England; the Queen loves him well and regularly presses him into service. She credits me with reconciling ‘a stiff papist to a good subject’.\n\nI myself am a Lady of the Privy Chamber. I have brought two of my sons with me this Progress, four year-old William, and two year-old Henry. Edward is more often away on official business these days and unable to attend me at court so I have also brought with me our tutor, Master Jonathan Smythe as I am greatly ‘comforted’ by his presence as I travel. While his main duty is to see to the children’s education, he has made a fine traveling companion.\n\nMy eldest son William is betrothed to Lady Sydney’s daughter, Elizabeth. Lady Sidney and I became fast friends on Progress some four years ago and often spend much time together. I am especially grateful for her company, as well as that of the other women at court as I am great with child at this time and fast nearing the end of my confinement. Francis (Lady Sydney) is sure this babe is to be a girl. If so, I shall call her Elizabeth, for I think it a most splendid and noble name.\n\nWhen able, I enjoy dancing in the Italian style and try my best to keep up with the new dances. I love good food and when I'm not pregnant (God’s teeth and eyeballs, when will that ever be?!), a good Port or hearty rich ale. I love romance. I love LOVE, and am fond of poetry and proverbs. I have a great sense of humor and love a good 'joust of wits,' though my own brother would have you believe I totally lack the means for such battle! And last but not least, I consider it my sworn duty to nettle my brother Henry whenever the opportunity arises.\n\nThose who are dear to me (you know who you are!) may call me Bitsy; otherwise I am to be called Lady Worcester, or My Lady Countess.	2003/2003_Worcester_Elizabeth_01.jpg	herald-worcester.gif
cumbects02	Stephanie Cinke	Margeret Russell	Margaret Russell, Lady Clifford, Countess of Cumberland	I was born on July 7, 1560 to the Earl of Bedford and his wife Margaret. The youngest of seven children, I have four brothers (Edward d.1573, John, Francis, and William). I also have two sisters, (Anne, the Countess of Warwick, and Elizabeth, Countess of Bath). Through my recent marriage to George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, I am related to the following families, Burley, Bacon, Cook, Dacre, Derby, Dudley, Grey, Montague, Percy, Knollys, Sidney, Strange, and Huntingdon. I am certain there are more, they just happen to fail me at the moment. Hence, why it is just as well that I call many at court "cousin".\n\nMy mother died when I was but two years old and my father sent me to live with my Aunt, Alice Elmers, in Lilford, Northhamptonshire. I stayed with her for five years living a very carefree and easy-going life (my Aunt was quite negligent in keeping an eye on me or, for that matter, teaching me the many things a young noble lady should know.) Because of this, I still have not learned to sew and many of the Ladies at court remind me of such. I was called back to my father’s estate at Woburn Abbey when I was seven to meet my new stepmother, Bridget Hussey. I quickly came to despise my “father’s second wife” for her very formal and strict ways.\n\nA few years of living with that woman made me realize that anything is better than staying at Woburn. I love my father very much and I believe that because of the tension between Bridget and my sisters and I, he petitioned Her Grace to find positions at court for us. Her Majesty was extremely gracious and allowed me to replace my sister Anne as a Maid of Honor. The six years I spent as a Maid of Honor was a really thrilling opportunity for me. I loved all the excitement of court, (and still do) how’ere, I am having a difficult time adjusting to my newly married status.\n\nI have two favorite pastimes that have blossomed here at court; dancing and flirting. The first is something I have loved since I was very small. It is the one thing that my Aunt insisted I learn. I am glad that she did for it is the most fun activity here at court (for it offers one the perfect opportunity to flirt). The men of the court are not like the brothers I grew up with, nor George, that used to tease and torment me.\n\nMy husband, George, has been my betrothed since I was two years old. Before my mother died, she and my father agreed that I should marry his ward (George), when I became of age. I have no great affection for my husband. I married him for the common good rather than any particular liking. Thank goodness Her Majesty has (fortunately) found many an "important mission" for George to be involved in, making his presence at court a rare one.	2003/2003_Cumberland_Margaret_01.jpg	herald-cumberland.gif
hunticts02	Julie Perkins	Kathryn Dudley	Kathryn Dudley, Lady Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon	Cathryn Dudley was 1 of the 13 children of John Dudley and Jane Guildford, Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. She lived an unusual life to say the least and spent most of her time away from her immediate family by arrangement of her father.\n\nAt the age of 7 she was betrothed the heir to the Earl of Huntingdon, Lord Henry Hastings. Henry through his mother was the last of the Plantagaenent lines of Kings (decedents of Edward III). Not very long after the engagement, Cate was moved to the home of her soon-to-be husband, Asby-de-la-Zouche. Three months after her arrival and after her 8th birthday, she was married to Henry (18 years old) is a triple ceremony including her brother Guildford to Lady Jane Grey, and Kathryn Grey and Lord Herbert. Henry and Cate’s marriage was the only one that lasted. Of course Guildford and Jane were executed and the other Grey and Herbert were separated and both later remarried.\n\nUnfortunately soon after the wedding, presided over by the Duke of Northumberland, social chaos and upheaval took place and Cate’s life changed forever. The Duke, Jane, Guildford and all the other Dudley brothers were placed under arrest after the death of Edward VI. The Duke, not wanting to see England go in a Catholic state again, immediately after the death of Edward, tried placing Jane Grey, an heir to the throne, and niece of Henry VIII on the throne to oust Mary Tudor. Unfortunately the country did not follow Northumberland’s plan, and helped Mary become Queen instead of excepting Jane as Queen. The Dudley’s were placed in the Tower and soon after Mary had Northumberland, Jane and Guildford beheaded on the grounds of treason. The rest of the Dudley boys were left to linger, but through the constant insistence of the Duchess of Northumberland the boys were finally released.\n\nThe Tower did takes its toll however, the eldest brother John, Earl of Warwick, died three days after his release. The Duchess soon died after their release and Ambrose and Robert were virtually left to fend for themselves in the mist of social unrest, with most of the family dead. The only fortunate children were Mary Dudley, Lady Sydney and Cate, although the world still came none to easy for them.\n\nI have read the indeed the luckiest of the children was Cate. The Hastings, her godparents, the Princess Mary (now Queen Mary), van Delft the Imperial Ambassador and the Duchess of Suffolk all seemed to “protect” her. She lived with the Earl and Countess of Huntingdon, was surrounded by children to play and learn with: Henry, George, Edward and of course, her best friend Elizabeth Hastings, and begun to finally live a “normal” life of a young noble woman.\n\nAs time went by and she and Henry came into their own right, they took to living in Asby-de-la-Zouche as their own home. Elizabeth went off and married the heir to the Earl of Worcester and the other boys made their own livings. The Dudley boys were safe and came into their own right and Elizabeth Tudor became Queen, to the joy and relief of the whole country. Ambrose became the Earl of Warwick, Robert received the title of the Earl of Leicester and both received high honors and positions at court. Mary Sydney was busy producing several beautiful children, Philip, Robert, Mary and Thomas, while her husband again joined the ranks of court with his wife and both, also received prominent positions in the court of Elizabeth. The Dudley’s all bonded after these turbulent years of separation, death and upheaval. They were always there to help each other, and enjoyed each other’s company. Probably because who else would understand the full impact of what they had been through.\n\nThe Dudley’s have several relations, mainly through marriage. There was our sister of the law, Anne Seymour, Lady (Dudley) Unton, Dowager Countess of Warwick, the Russell’s through Ambrose’s marriage to Anne, Shirley’s, the Blount’s, of course all of the Sydney nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Through these matches and with the aid of time, things changed for the Dudley’s who for the last 2 generations were considered traitors, whether it be truth or not.\n		herald-huntingdon.gif
untonldy02	Mary Hough	Anne Seymour	Anne Seymour, Lady Unton, Dowage Countess of Warwick	Anne Seymour was the daughter of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset. Her mother was Ann Stanhope, Duchess of Sommerset. Anne had 5 sisters and 2 brothers. Her father was Lord Protector to Edward VI. Anne married John Dudley, the Earl of Warwick in 1550. In 1551 the Dudleys set up Anne’s father for treason and a short time later Edward Seymour was put to death for treason. John Dudley was sent to the tower for being involved with putting Jane Grey on the throne. 10 days after his release by Mary, he died. 6 months later Anne married Edward Unton, of Berkshire. Anne lives at Langley and at one point they hosted the Queen while she was in Bristol. She had 7 children all together, three died young. Anne and her sisters were proficient writers, to the point that they had written a collection of poems about the death of the Queen of Navarre. When they were delivered to Paris it inspired well known poets of Paris to produce a volume of verses in honor of the Queen.	2003/2003_Unton_Anne_03.jpg	herald-warwick.gif
essexcts02	Christie Kopitzke	Laetitia Knolleys	Laetitia Knolleys, Lady Devereaux, Countess of Essex	Lettyce has probably never been more excited (at least in her adult life) to be at court and on Progress. She finds the months of each of the last several years (customarily six weeks each at early fall and early spring) that she spends at Charteley (her home in Staffordshire) a bit dull, and she anticipates estate and family business requiring her to remain there through the coming winter. Thus, she is determined to enjoy every moment of the festivities and social whirl of court before she is forced to attend to other matters.\n\nLettyce is the 2nd of 11 children born to Sir Francis Knolleys and Catherine Carey. She is the granddaughter of Mary Boleyn, and so an “extended” cousin to the Queen. This fact is one of which she is very conscious, and in fact tends to think of the Queen as her cousin first and the monarch second; potentially a serious error in judgment. She has numerous other family at court, both by blood and marriage, not the least being the entire Carey clan, several Howards and Howard relations, and the Hastings’.\n\nWith Lettyce a widow for nearly two years, the romance between she and the Earl of Leycestre has been a going concern for quite some time, and commonly known (but never spoken of in the queens’ presence). Whilst on Progress, however, Lettyce must contend with the queen’s eye – one presently solicitous and friendly as ever, but which could at a moments’ notice see too much and darken with suspicion. As a result, it has is more difficult for Lettyce and Robin to steal more than a stray moment or two of privacy together. The strain is beginning to show: the Countess is more likely to betray irritation at trifles, or to burst into unwarranted tears, than was her wont. Her moods appear all at sixes and sevens.\n\nThe merriment of the festival, of course, is as much enjoyed as ever. She had desperately loved the excitement and activity of court life as a Maid of Honour to her Royal Cousin, and save for a year’s service in the Queen’s bedchamber between the births of Dorothy, now age 11 and Robert, age 9, and the last three years’ intermittant service there, she had spent much of the fourteen years following her marriage in the countryside of Stafford.\n\nAt the time of her marriage to Walter, first Viscount Hereford, later 1st Earl of Essex, Lettyce was pleased enough with her circumstances. Walter was pleasant, handsome, older, had good prospects, and was quite smitten by this grand-daughter of the famous Mary Boleyn. Though entirely virtuous at her marriage, the 17-year-old Laetitia was far from naïve. Her parents shared a true and deep affection, and she had often intercepted significant glances between the two, which had heightened the color in her mother’s cheeks. The happy situation of her parents, as well as her own flirtations had led her to suspect that there was something mysterious and thrilling which occurred between men and women. The ritual of the pre-nuptial mother-daughter talk confirmed these suspicions, providing her with considerably more information than many of her peers received.\n\nYet as the years passed and the children (Penelope - age 14, Dorothy, Robert, and Walter – age 7) came, the modest exhilaration of marriage – the simple pleasures of country life, of running a home, of knowing a man, and of reveling in her fertility – had faded. Walter provided her little challenge or stimulation, and though likable, kind, and intelligent, she grew restless for the court life she had experienced years before. She had scarcely missed him during his time in Ireland, and although vaguely concerned for his health, had found the months of the last winter of his life quite trying as she was quite unable to c ope with his dourness and physical complaints. It was a relief to have him return again to Ireland. Walter’s death, news of which arrived in the midst of the gaity of Progress, came as a shock; she had not really thought he was so ill. Her conscience troubled her a great deal in the beginning: her attention to Leycester (and permitting his attentions to her) was inappropriate – what if God had punishing her by cutting Walter’s life short? These doubts receded thrill of her newfound freedoms. And now she has reentered court life with all of it’s unique excitements and entertainments and flirtations.\n\nLettyce’s education in flirtation stretches back to her early years, when her Precisionist father removed his family from England during Mary’s reign. The years in Germany were fascinating to the precocious teenager, who found herself the preeminent feminine representative of “home” for other ex-patriots, and for the younger provincial gentlemen; a sophisticated alternative to the hearty, apple-cheeked local girls. Though she was unimpressed with the locals, and conceived a dislike for foreigners in general (no doubt an outgrowth of her youthful resentment at being taken away from her homeland), it was here she learned that she was alluring, and that she could gain both great enjoyment and often, her own way, through coquetry.\n\nShe brings this well-honed skill, like a second nature to her, to court. Despite her passion for Leycester, she is far from dead to the attractions of other gentlemen; and she knows that to keep the great earl’s attention, she must let him see the other gentlemen of court admiring her. She as fully expects that admiration as does her famous cousin. She is sufficiently confident of her beauty and wit and charm that she feels no need to compete for it, and so the jealousies which often result between women are at present kept to a minimum – even with respect to Lady Sheffield. Lettyce knows that though the Earl’s interest was briefly piqued by Douglas, it was the function of proximity, convenience, and perhaps the passing charm of an acquiescent nature (not unlike that of the late Lady Dudley). While she is secretly irked indeed at the idea of being even briefly eclipsed by this women, she would never deign to compete with her. Her sentiments on this might only be betrayed by her near complete disregard for the Baroness’ existence. Otherwise, Lettyce is quite confident that her spirited nature is more suited to holding the Earl’s affection, and that he is even now yearning for her.\n\nComplicating these romantic matters is the fact that Lettyce enjoys her Royal cousin’s company, and vice versa. The sharp Boleyn mind and tongue entertain the Queen, and her eye for beauty and detail make her a pleasing companion. While she can be quite direct in her speech, it is not a sign of impertinence (although her cousin may choose to take it so!), and her words are always polite, if not full of flowery deference. She is gratified to rise early in the morning to be ready to attend, and it has fallen to her to brush and dress the Royal tresses at the beginning or ending of the day. They can often be seen with their heads bent together in conversation, consultation, or merry jest.\n\nAccompanying the countess to court is her son Robert, now the 2nd Earl of Essex. Already at court, thanks to her influence, are her daughter Dorothy and her sister Cecelia, both as Maids of Honour to the queen. Though often self-centered, Lettyce’s generosity towards her children is scarcely bounded, and the headstrong traits which all but Walter exhibit have not been checked as they should have been. Robert is particularly well on the way to being spoiled. She is similarly indulgent of her young sister, whose mischievousness she will always find a way to excuse.\n\nThe Countess’ retinue is her children’s nursemaid, and her own companion, Mistress Eleanor Knolleys, a cousin on her fathers’ side. Mistress Knolleys has left young Walter at Charteley in the charge of an underling, and come on progress at the Countess’ behest, to ease Dorothy’s adjustment to her new position, and to see to young Robert’s needs as well. It is her first visit to court, and she will no doubt be a bit awed by it all, but will manage to enjoy the new experience.\n\nThe Countess is referred to by most as Lady Essex or Lady Countess. A very few call her by her Christian name, and the Earl of Leicester has christened her with a name they use privily.\n\nThe popular icon Lettyce most resembles in general is Scarlett O’Hara – though she would never have pined all those year for a simp like Ashley Wilkes, especially when a red-blooded man like Rhett was angling for her. Puh-lease! And she is inclined to be a bit more charitable towards others than that acclaimed belle.\n		
mortocts02	Su Miller	Elizabeth Douglas	Lady Elizabeth Douglas, Countess of Morton	Mother: Catherine Stuart (“natural” daughter of James IV (Scotland) and Margaret Boyd)\n\nFather: James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Morton (Son of John Douglas, 2nd Earl of Morton and Janet Crichton)\n\nAncestral Home: Dalkeith Castle. Father took up coal mining in/around 1531.\n\nSiblings: Margaret Douglas, born ab. 1515, married in 1532 to James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran Beatrix Douglas, married Robert Maxwell (?)\n\nHusband: Sir James Douglas of Pittendrich; made Master of Morton upon marriage to Elizabeth Douglas by arrangement of his uncle Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus and the payment of 2,000 pounds to satisfy a debt. Made 4th Earl of Morton in 1543 upon death of the 3rd Earl, in accordance with previously mentioned arrangement. James eventually becomes Lord High Chancellor under Mary, Queen of Scots, and is later elected regent upon the death of Morray.\n\nIf I attempted to draw for you the family tree of the Douglas Clan, its roots would go deep into the very belly of Scotland, and its branches would extend out across the land and down into England, its leaves touching many houses, for Mary of Scotland is my (2nd) cousin, and Great England is a distant cousin too.\n\nMy husband, now Regent of Scotland, finds himself much occupied with matters of state. His love for me must be a great thing indeed, as my presence is often a great distraction to him. Often I spend much of my time at Dalkeith with His Most Royal Majesty James. Though he has only seven years to him, he is already an accomplished hunter and horseman, and it seems that my company does amuse His Grace.\n\nMy husband and lord do think it well that I take some time to visit with my Aunt, The Dowager Countess of Lennox who is the grandmother of His Most Royal Majesty James. I have sent missives to her and she is most anxious to hear word of her grandson. Though His Majesty has never actually met his grandmother, he is sending me with letters and a gift for her. He is a good and fine lad and will make an even greater King. Had any of my 7 sons survived I could only pray that they could have come any near his measure.\n\nIt seems that my Aunt is on the Queen of England’s Progress, but permission has been granted me to join her. Allowing for travel and a bit of soft weather I shall meet with her in Bristol. How fortunate the timing! Now I shall meet many of the English court, and I shall use this to my best advantage. After all, I have three unmarried daughters at home in need of fine match.		
montavct02	Herman Peterson	Anthony Browne	Sir Anthony Browne, Viscount Montague	Biographical Information\n\nI was born in 1526 to Sir Anthony Browne, K.G., who was Master of Horse to King Henry VIII of blessed memory, and Mistress Alice Gage, daughter of Sir John Gage, K.G.\n\nI was created a Knight of the Bath at the coronation of King Edward VI of blessed memory. Shortly after, I married the daughter of the Earl of Sussex, Lady Jane Ratcliff, by whom I had two children. My first wife, God rest her soul, died shortly before the end of the reign of the boy King while giving birth to our daughter.\n\nDuring the glorious, albeit short-lived, reign of Her Gracious Majesty Queen Mary, of blessed and fond memory, my career catapulted. After the pretensions of that abominable usurper Jane Grey had been suppressed, I was given the honor of bearing Queen Mary’s train as she rode past the joyous crowds into London. She appointed me Lieutenant of the Forest of Windsor, Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and Chief Standard Bearer of England. Then I was sent upon embassage to His Holiness Pope Julius III to negotiate the reconciliation of this land to the True Church. When Prince Philip of Spain was betrothed to Her Gracious Majesty, I was appointed to be his Master of Horse. At their wedding I was created Viscount Montague. Shortly thereafter I was appointed to the Privy Council and created a Knight of the Garter.\n\nDuring this happy time I became enamoured of one of the Queen’s Maids of Honor, Mistress Magdalen Dacre, the daughter of the Baron of Graystock and Gilsland. When I approached her Majesty on the topic, she was so overjoyed at the match that she insisted we be married at St. James’s Palace. My wife and I have five children.\n\nNear the end of Queen Mary’s reign, after her false pregnancy and abandonment by her husband, she fell into a deep depression which I was powerless to break. She trusted me while she was thus shackled, and I was deeply troubled at her death. I brought the news of her demise to Philip in the Low Countries. God rest her soul.\n\nWhen Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth began her reign I was swept out of the Privy Council, the Court, and all national and international affairs. I was devastated and bored. Howe’er it soon became necessary for Queen Elizabeth to invade Scotland against the demonic Marie de Guise. The last thing England needed was for Spain to come to the aid of France in this matter, which might have happened if the Pope encouraged it. Someone had to be sent to Spain to forestall this eventuality – and quickly. Her Majesty sent for me and, though overwhelmed by this sudden honor, I accepted and did my level best. King Philip was, of course, known to me and my explanations and persuasions went so far to convince His Catholic Majesty that he instructed his ambassador in Rome to oppose the French efforts to have Queen Elizabeth excommunicated. In short, my embassage was eminently successful and because of this episode Her Majesty and I have gained a healthy mutual respect.\n\nCharacter Choices\n\nThree words: pompous Catholic has-been.\n\nI am a Catholic, very proud of it, and I care not who possesses this knowledge. My faith is the primary colour of my character. While I acknowledge that for many it is difficult to understand how a Catholic can be a loyal Englishman, that I am. Her Majesty understands that my Catholicism is borne of not of faction, but of principle.\n\nI have been called to Court because the Queen wishes to keep her eye on me. Her Majesty and her councilors wish to know if I am involved in any of the rumblings in the North, and to ensure that the Northern rumblings do not also become Southern rumblings.\n\nI enjoy the pleasures of being at Court and I have missed them greatly. Howe’er, I may show marked disdain towards some of the novelties of Court dynamics that have crept in since the days of Queen Mary.\n\nWhen I became Master of Horse to Prince Philip I was required to take an oath of allegiance to him, a fact which has thankfully been forgotten by most. Accordingly, my attitudes toward Spain are generally friendly – as long as Spain does not invade English territory. Thus, I can feel rather paternal toward the Infanta at times, who is just of an age with my daughters.\n\nI have brought my two youngest daughters with me to Court. They have each had the effrontery to fall in love with a local gentleman. They come from good Catholic families, but are not at all the sort of match I would have wished for them. My oldest son is married to the sister of the Duchess de Feria and my oldest daughter is the Countess of Southampton. The very idea of marrying into the gentry!\n		
furnibrn02	Darren Fields	Gilbert Talbot	Sir Gilbert Talbot, 15th Lord Furnivalle	On 20 November 1552 Gertrude Manners and George Talbot were blessed with their 2nd son and 3rd child. The boy was christened Gilbert and so was the beginning of my life.\n\nI was raised along with my older brother Francis. We were like typical brothers. At any point of time him and I would be fighting, but so help the person who would pick on just one of us. My 3 brothers, 3 sisters and my self all can remember the death of our Mother in 1556. Her early and untimely death caused great sorrow to my family.\n\nMy father then married Elizabeth Cavendish (Bess of Hardwick) in 1567 and via an agreement between my Father and stepmother I was married to Mary Cavendish and my sister Grace Talbot was married to Henry Cavendish in 1568. That same year Mary Stewart (Mary Queen of Scots) was placed into the custody of my family. This was a great honor for my family, for we were in great favor with Queen Elizabeth. But this also caused a lot of chaos for my family. Mary was moved around from Manner Houses to Castles and back again to prevent attempts to free her. My family has to keep using our own money to pay for the “upkeep” of Mary and her servants. Due to this I bring petition after petition to the Privy Council and to the Queen requesting more State money for food and other supplies.\n\nWhen my brother Francis died I was given the title 15th Lord Furnivalle and now I am heir to the Earldom of Shrewsbury.\n\nI am currently at court representing the interests of my family regarding Mary Queen of Scots. Wile on progress this summer I am expecting news on the birth of my first child. My wife was given permission to say back for the child is to be born very soon. I am somewhat nervous about this, as any first time father would be. I am also concerned on what the Queen has to say when my son is born because then she will know that my family had disobeyed her orders to not have any visors to Chatsworth. After all how do you think my wife became pregnant with my child?\n	2003/2003_Talbot_Gilbert_02.jpg	herald-shrewsbury.gif
stranbrn01	Aaron Bennett	Ferdinando Stanley	Sir Ferdinando Stanley, XIII Lord Strange of Knokyn, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire	The Right Honourable Ferdinando, Lord Strange was born c. 1560, the eldest surviving of four sons, to Sir Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby, and Lady Margaret Clifford, the Countess of Derby. Born of ancient royal blood on both sides of his family, Lord Ferdinando was considered the Queen’s Heir Apparent. Through the machinations of his mother he no doubt came to be a somewhat vain social climber, spurred on by her own desires to see her son, if not herself, upon the throne. He was brought up in royal style; the Stanleys maintained the most lavish, sumptuous, and regal house in the kingdom, save for the palace itself. And indeed the Derbys’ home was modeled directly upon the Queen’s own house. A sense of ego excessive even for a peer of the realm must have been nurtured in him from an early age. In fact, he was overheard by Bess of Hardwick, to sa y in “foolish speeches” to Sir Francis Hastings, “that they two should one day fight for the Crown”. She also complained of “the show of his great will and haughty stomach, his making of himself so popular, and bearing himself so against my Lord of Essex.” Nevertheless, he seems to have indeed been well-liked by almost all.\n\nHaving matriculated at the age of thirteen into the University of Oxford, he was called to Court a year later by the Queen herself “to be shaped in good manners”. Later, he was summoned to Parliament as Lord Strange. A supporter of the arts, Lord Strange enjoyed, music, dance, poetry, and singing; but above all he loved the theatre. He was the patron of several poets, authors, and playwrights, including, among others: Christopher Marlowe, Robert Greene, Edmund Spenser, and William Shakespeare. He himself was a poet and upon his death was highly praised by the many elegiac poems of his clients. He reveled in hawking and hunting, and excelled at tilting. He seems also to have been an advocate of education, and a learned man himself. Dangerously learned for a man of his time, as he occupied himself with the occultic arts: astrology, astronomy, mathematics, geometry, the “new science”, philosophy, and other such spiritually dangerous pursuits. This made him a rather suspect man in the eyes of the secret inner circles of the government, especially when considered with the facts that his family were the lords of the last two Catholic counties in England and that Lord Ferdinando was said to be “of no religion”. He was no atheist by our meaning, certainly; I believe he was disenchanted with the never-ending contention between the religions of his homeland and indeed of his own home, and had decided in spirit to remove himself from the debate, and refuse to judge his countrymen and kin. However, Lord Ferdinando did his English duty and upheld his Protestant responsiblities, even sitting upon the recusancy council with his father, whom he at times criticized for his leniency. He appears also to have been a loving husband; in his last days, dreaming that his lady was “most dangerously sick to death”, he started weeping from his bed, raised an alarm, called out for help, and could not be comforted until he found her well.\n\nThis year, Lord Ferdinando is joined by his half-sister, Ursula, natural child of the Earl of Derby. Although recognised from birth by the Crown, this Progress marks her debut at Court. Lord Strange does not know his sister well. Being nearly ten years older than she, and spending most of Ursula's lifetime at Court, they have not spent much time together, which suits his mother, Lady Derby. Yet he is surprisingly protective of his little sister, and takes the matter of her lineage seriously. Perhaps too seriously; having been enjoined by their father to find Ursula a possible husband, he will accept any sensible reason for a bachelor not wishing to marry his sister. But if that reason is her bastardy alone, the fellow will find Lord Ferdinando's glove in his face.\n\nThis Progress marks their tenth year of marriage. They now have three daughters: Anne, Frances, and Elizabeth.\n	2003/2003_Strange_Ferdinando_02.jpg	herald-darby.gif
stranbrs01	Jessica Don	Alice Spencer	Alice Spencer, Lady Stanley, Lady Strange	They said it wouldn't last - not couple could stay in love for that long, but they were wrong. 10 years and three daughters later, the Stranges are still madly in love. Alice is still married to Ferdinando Stanley, 13th Lord Strange of Knokyn, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, and heir apparent to the throne. She is the baby of the six daughters and one son of Sir John Spencer of Althorp and Katherine Kytson. Having grown up a playmate of Ferdinando, she was thrilled to find out he was to be her husband. She herself could not have chosen a man with whom she rather spend the rest of her life. (Rumor has it the feeling's mutual!) He was her first secret crush, which didn't last very long as a secret thanks to all those siblings! Similar to her husband, Alice is a patron of the arts, especially theatre. Around the shire of Bristol you can see one of her minstrels, Daniel Dowland. She enjoys watching theatre (especially watching Strange's Men), going on walks through gardens (with her husband), looking at art (drawn by her husband), and above all, spending time with her husband. If not with her husband, (GASP!) she could probably be found reading, writing letters, or thinking about her husband. Since he is heir apparent, they try to keep their children as far away from the intrigue of court as possible. They are concerned about the safety and well-being of their children. They are, however, giving their daughters the finest education money can buy, and Alice is visiting them as often as possible. (So that's where she is*) Anyway, the Stranges loved each other madly, and lived happily ever after*well, until he died, but that's another story.	2003/2003_Strange_Alice_03.jpg	
stanlldy01	Qudsia Sethi-Blum	Ursula Stanley	Lady Ursula Stanley	I am known as the Lady Ursula Stanley. I am the natural daughter of Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby by his mistress, Lady Jane Halsall.\n\nThis is my second Progress with Her Majesty. I am very excited by it, notably because of the prospect of seeing Master William Shakespeare once again. In the past several months, I have discovered the delights of poetry and prose. Since my poetry debut last summer, I decided to pursue this endeavor with much enthusiam. I also have a secret crush on Master Shakespeare....woe to me if my brother, Lord Strange, should learn of it!!!! You might find Master Shakespeare and I sitting underneath a tree having a picnic together, sharing poetry.....oops!!! Did I say that??\n\nI am forever writing poems....mostly funny and amusing ones. You will often find me with ink stains on my fingers from my labors at the quill!!! My brother is forever scolding me because of it....what gentleman would want to marry a gentlewoman with dirty hands???? I try to remember to wash them, but sometimes it’s difficult to remember!!! Especially if I have a good rhyme...I’ll ask Master Marmaduke to fetch me a quill and ink to write it down, so I don’t forget it. Watch out for me if I am looking at someone a little too intently....I may be writing a good poem in my head about that person.\n\nI am also very clumsy....dropping my basket, hankerchief or goblet.......perhaps bumping into a tree or bench. All because i simply must not waste time in anything but writing (and waiting upon her Majesty, of course!!) If anyone suspects of my crush on Master Shakespeare, please acknowledge it!!! Embarrass me as much as you can.....especially if my brother is around! I think my brother is the next thing to God, the Queen and our father, the Earl. I worship the ground he walks on, so if he finds out about my affair with Master William, I would simply die!!! (Well, not really, but almost!!)\n\nI also love the Queen on a level that is not only a love between a subject to her monarch, but like a daughter to her mother. Though not a maid of honor, I always ask to sit at Her Majesty’s feet during late Glade. If you don’t find me there, I’ll be sitting next to my brother.......(flirting with Master Shakespeare, if he’s nearby).\n\nPrepare for yet another Stanley to take this Progress by storm!!!! Beware of my quill and the stories that shall come from within them...................they may be about YOU!	2003/2003_Salesbury_Ursula_03.jpg	herald-darby.gif
manneldy02	Jessica Harrison	Bridget Manners	Lady Bridget Manners, Maid of Honor	Historical Bridget\n\nBridget was born in 1577 to John and Elizabeth (Charlton) Manners. She was the second child born to her parents, her brother Roger being the eldest. She also had three younger brothers and two younger sisters. When Bridget was ten her father died and she was given over to the care of Bridget Hussey the Countess of Bedford. When Bridget was eleven the Countess of Bedford found a place for her among Queen Elizabeth’s maids-of-honour. When she first arrived at court she was a quiet, shy girl, who was at first overwhelmed by all of the “glitter” of court life. She quickly became accustomed to all the pomp and circumstance with the help of Mary Radcliffe. Bridget stayed at court until she was about sixteen or seventeen. While she was at court she became the queen’s royal carver. Bridget hated court life, although it is written that with her sunny disposition she made friends easily and was well liked by many of the courtiers. Even being celebrated in verse by Barnabe Barnes.\n\nMany men courted Bridget while she was at court. Some of the named men were the earls of Southampton, Northumberland, and Bedford. However, Bridget did not wish a lofty title and eventually married her sweetheart Robert Tyrwhitt, without the queen’s permission. After the displeasure of the queen was over, Bridget and Robert left court. They were married for ten years and had four children before Bridget died in July of 1604.\n\nFaire Bridget\n\nI will be playing Bridget older than she was at court. One of the things that I have found out is that she was called “Perfect Manners” and I plan to play that up highly, at least when in the presence of the older ladies and gentlemen of court. If she is alone or with the other maids she will be a bit more mischievous. She may not always get along with the other maids, but if one of them is in trouble, she will be the first to run to their side and stand up for them, unless they have said or done something to slight her family. Her family means more to her than anything and she will not let anyone talk badly about them. She is fiercely loyal to those she calls friends, but watch out when her temper flares!\n\nShe loves to dance and you will often find her dancing by herself or trying to teach others the more complicated dances. She also loves to sing and will hum her way through the day. You may also find her staring off into the distance with a sad look upon her face. It is at these times that she is missing her home and the family that is not at court.\n\nThe other Maids-of-honour call her Brie. Her close friends call her Bridget and all others may call her Lady Bridget.\n	2003/2003_Manners_Bridget_06.jpg	herald-rutland.gif
mildmldy02	Brenda Ball	Frances Radclyffe	Frances Radclyffe, Lady Mildmay	To Thomas Radclyffe, Third Earl of Sussex\n\nDearest Brother,\n\nMy deepest hopes that this missive finds you safe and well in Ireland (Do send my regards to Shane O’Neill, will you not?). I write this somewhere on the road between Norwich and Bristol, as Her Grace is again upon progress. I look forward to our visit to Bristol, for I hear there is good hunting thereabouts, and mayhap dancing and shopping as well, but in truth I do miss the company and kinship of yourself and my sister in the law. I can barely remember our father who did pass unto heaven when I was but a child, and to have you and my sister gone from Court, even on so vital a mission, is like unto losing my parents again.\n\nFortunately, I do still have some family about, although ‘tis on my mother’s side. Mistress Mary Shelton travels with Her Grace. If you remember, she and I are cousins through our grandmothers, Amata and Mary Boleyn. As I am her nearest female relative, I do often act as her escort about town. I shall endeavour to preserve and cultivate her sweet demeanour and sense of propriety for which she is most renowned.\n\nAlas, I must end this letter all too soon, as Her Grace has called me to attend her this evening. Until such time as Fate permits us to reunite, I remain\n\nYour Humble and Loving Sister,\n\nLady Frances Radclyffe		
deverldy02	Sara Donley	Dorothy Devereaux	Lady Dorothy Devereaux	I am Lady Dorothy Devereaux. I am but ten years. I lived with the Huntingtons. My nursemaid takes good care of me and my brother Robert who has now become the Earl of Essex.\n\nI am here at court to learn to become a member of the Privy Chamber like my grandmother. My mother is the Countess of Essex. My father died at war against Ireland.\n\nI am a Maid of Honour, and the queen is my cousin.	2003/2003_Devereaux_Dorothy_02.jpg	herald-essex.gif
morlebrn02	Brian McArthur	Henry Parker	Sir Henry Parker, 9th Baron Morley	Historical Information: Henry Parker is the eldest son of Sir Henry Parker and Grace Newport, daughter of John Newport. Born about 1531 and educated at Gonville Hall, Cambridge, little is known about his early life but both his father and grandfather were active in the courts of Kings Henry VIII, Edward and of course Queen Mary. On the occasion of Queen Mary’s coronation, October 6th, 1553, Lord Arundel created him Knight of the Bath. He succeeded his grandfather as 9th Baron Morley on November 25th, 1556. His main residence is in Essex and is known as Great Hallingbury. Queen Elizabeth stayed there in 1561. There are other properties in Norfolk, Buckingham and Hereford as well as a house in London near Aldgate\n\nAppointed Lord Lieutenant for Hertfordshire (his mother had property there) in 1560. With the change in religious climate he became conspicuous as a recusant. In 1569 on grounds of being a peer he declined to sign a declaration in accordance with the Act of Uniformity on Common Prayer. In 1570, he was closely associated with the Duke of Norfolk’s proceedings and with the rising of the Northern Earls. Shortly thereafter he left England without permission and went to Brussels. He later sent appeals to the Queen, Burghley and Leicester for permission to return or to have his wife and children join him. In a letter to Burghley dated January 21, 1574, Parker asserts his innocence except for the charge of leaving without the Queens permission.\n\nHe is connected with the Spanish on several occasions. In March of 1574 he is in Madrid with his brother Edmund. He is received by King Phillip II and given a gift of 600 Ducats. His wife Elizabeth is reunited with him in 1576 and he dies in Spain on October 22nd, 1577.\n\nFamily: Grandfather: Sir Henry Parker, 8th Baron Morley, courtier and author. He held many offices throughout his life. His first marriage was to Alice St. John, daughter of John St. John of Bletsoe. They had one son and two daughters; Jane Parker marries George Boleyn, viscount Rochford, brother to Anne Boleyn. The 2nd daughter, Anne marries Sir John Shelton.\n\nFather: Sir Henry Parker, created Knight of the Bath in 1533 at Anne Boleyn’s coronation. He was married to Grace Newport and may have had as many as three sons. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Calthorpe, daughter of Sir Phillip Calthorpe of Edwarton, Suffolk and Anne Boleyn’s aunt. One son is known from this marriage. Sir Henry was Groom of the Privy Chamber to Anne of Cleves in 1539 and held several offices in Essex and Hertfordshire. He died in1553.\n\nBrothers: Charles, priest to Pavia in 1588, later Bishop of Mann. Edmund (no information), Sir Phillip Parker (half brother)\n\nSon: Edward Parker (b1555- d 1618) Arrested with his mother in 1574 he spends time abroad as a recusant. He later conforms and recovers titles and property surrendered to the crown. In 1586 is commissioner for the trials of Mary, Queen of Scots and Phillip, Lord Arundel in 1589. Married to Elizabeth daughter and heiress 3rd Lord Monteagle.\n\nDaughters: Alice Parker married to Sir Thomas Barrington and Mary Parker, wife of Sir Edward Leventhorpe. Faire portrayal and character observations: For the purposes of Bristol Renaissance Faire a bit of history has been changed. The Northern Uprising of 1570 hasn’t happened "yet". Baron Morley has been in consultation with some of the major players in that event, but his direct involvement is only suspected. He is along on Progress at the Privy Councils behest via an invite from her Majesty. The Morley’s are staunch Catholics but are attempting to keep quiet in her Majesty’s presence. As husband and wife they are very devoted to each other and to the family as whole. Their two young daughters are along but their son remains in Essex. Lord Morley and "I" are still getting to know each other but here are some thoughts in "our" own words.\n\nGreetings dearest cousins,\n\nIt has been some great amount of time since I last joined you on progress with her Grace. Lady Morley and I have missed many of you. We have obtained lodgings with my lady wife’s dearest nephew Lord Strange in the towne of Bristol. He has offered us a room, which will be welcomed greatly as the last leg of our journey was somewhat unpleasant. We will as a matter of course bring our own furnishings. It will be most wonderous to visit upon them as it has been their own wedding whence we did’st see them last. We understand that Anne, my wife’s sister will be joining us on progress. I shall endeavor to lock up the jewel casket as Elizabeth tells me Anne has a penchant to borrow things. When we arrive in Bristol I will have speech with my lord and kinsman, the Lord Strange, and press advisement on the matter.\n\nI have heard the that my Lord, the Earl of Huntingdon is sorely vexed by the pleasure of hosting her Grace and goeth about making most nonsensical statements and railing his servants. Lady Morley and I have been visited by her Grace and did enjoy her Majesty's company. The court how'er has seemed to be greatly increased in size, the years betwixt 1561 and now.\n\nI fear the Privy Council may be wary of some of the Lords I associate myself with and summon me to questionings. I hold hope that some letters in mine own hand have not fallen astray as they could be sorely misunderstood. I am steadfast in my holding to the Old Religion and wish not to be disturbed in the practisement of it.\n\nMine own eldest daughter is of an age that my lady wife and I considered the contracting of a marriage agreement. Year last we did present our young Mary to her Grace and she is now counted amoungst the maids of honor and we hold hope a handsome match with a peer of the realm may be undertaken.\n\nI have been not to Bristol and look most forward to seeing the town, as it is one of the largest in the realm. I hold great hope of an enjoyable time here with her Majesty and The court of Gloriana. Mayhap if it is Gods will we will secure our future and return to Great Hallingbury.\n\nSir Henry Parker, Baron Morley\n\n14 June, the year of our Lord 1574\n	2003/2003_Morley_Henry_03.jpg	herald-parker.gif
berklbrn02	Drew Foerster	Henry Berkeley	Henry Berkeley, 7th Baron Berkeley	Henry was born 1534 to Thomas Berkeley, 6th Baron Berkeley and Lady Anne Savage. Henry never met his father for he was born just nine weeks after his father’s mysterious death.The young lord who thus inherited from his birth the title and possessions of his father was named after King Henry VIII, who was his godfather. During his minority he was made a ward of the crown, but stayed most times at Yate court in the guardianship of his mother.\n\nIn 1553, on the death of King Edward VI, Berkeley castle and great manor which had remained possessions of the crown for the last 61 years, were restored to Henry shortly after his nineteenth birthday. Subsequently, he went to London and settled at Tower Hill and remained at the court of Queen Mary I for many years. He often joined in the customary amusements of persons with similar status. He filled his time playing much tennis, bowls and dice. Here he polished his skills of gaming, a pursuit he enjoyed all his life. In September of 1555 he married the lady Katherine Howard granddaughter to the Duke of Norfolk. It was a true love match, one of very few at this time in the nobility that was successful. When not in attendance at Greenwich, they resided chiefly at Yate but often removed to their other residences, hunting and hawking as they traveled and often attended by at least 150 servants • sometimes more. Many times Lady Berkeley’s love for the hunt caused Henry much concern. She often times kept hawks in her chamber to the great injury of her dress and furniture.\n\nThe Berkeleys were known for their excesses. They often held huge celebrations at their various estates. Being very fond of music, no celebration was without many musicians in attendance. And Henry also fancied himself a fyne player of the lute. At the coronation of Queen Elizabeth both Lord and Lady were in attendance and were greatly admired for the remarkable magnificence of their dress and equipage. In 1558 they started a practice that lasted for thirty summers of going on their own “Progress” in which the Berkeleys were joined by friends, relatives and many servants.\n\nIn 1571 the Earls of Leicester and Warwick pressed for the marriage of their nephews Sir Philip Sidney and Master Robert Sidney to the Berkeley’s two daughters, Mary and Frances. But the offer was harshly refused by Lady Berkeley, in which great offense was taken by the Earls.\n\nIn 1572 Lady Berkeley’s brother, the Duke of Norfolk was beheaded on a charge of high treason. At that point the family fell from the Queen’s favor. Many times Elizabeth was annoyed by the provisions that restored ownership of the castle to Henry. She tried unsuccessfully to give “The Berkeley Hundred” to her favorite, Lord Leicester which greatly offended Lord Berkeley. The bitterness between Elizabeth and the Berkeleys came to a head when the Queen came to stay at the castle on one of her many Progresses about the country. As she rode in the front gate with her entourage, Lord Berkeley rode out - a supreme insult to the proud Queen, and one she did not soon forget.\n\nPlaying Henry Berkeley at the faire: At this point the Duke of Norfolk has not been executed. We (Lord and Lady Berkeley) take every opportunity to beg her Majesty to spare his life for we believe him to be a faithful and honorable servant to the crown. Henry and Katherine will play a very loving couple and neither will ever be far from the other’s side. The dynamic between the Barkeleys and the Earls of Leicester and Warwick is a hostile one. The families are very bitter towards each other and that is often times clearly portrayed in their remarks towards each other.	2003/2003_Berkley_Henry_01.jpg	herald-berkley.gif
howarbrn02	Robert Horne	Charles Howard	Sir Charles Howard, 2nd Baron Howard of Effingham	Sir Charles Howard, 2nd Baron Howard of Effingham, Lord Admiral, Privy Councilor, Knight of the Garter, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Sussex , Commissioner of the Peace for Surrey and Middlesex. He was born in 1536 to William Howard and Margaret Gamage 1st Baron and Baroness Howard of Effingham. Sir Charles is a first cousin, once removed, to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth through his grandfather Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, who is the Queens great grandfather. He has one brother William and four sisters Mary, Douglas, Frances, and Elizabeth .Mary is married to Edward , Lord Dudley. Douglas was married to John Sheffield, Lord Sheffield. While married she had an affair with Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, whom she later claimed she was married to, but Leicester denied it. Nonetheless she bore him a son in 1574 that Leicester did not disown . Leicester also my have had an affair with Frances at this time. Frances later married Edward, Earl of Hertford . His youngest sister Elizabeth married Sir George Bourchier .\n\nIt was in Charles’ early days at the court of Queen Elizabeth that Charles met and fell in love with Lady Katherine Carey, another of the Queens cousins and close personal friend and attendant. Katherine was the daughter of Sir Henry Carey and Anne Morgan , Baron and Baroness Hunsdon. The Queen gave her blessing to the match and attended the wedding . Charles and Katherine had five children three daughters, Elizabeth who was named for the Queen , who was her Godmother , Frances and Margaret and two sons William and Charles.\n\nSir Charles was near to the center of power for all of his adult life and had a role in many of the important events of his time. Even so , he is one of the least known of his contemporaries . He was not so much of a maker of policy as he was a follower of those that did .He owed his position in society and politics not so much because of his talents, which were adequate , but because he was born a Howard and the son of one of the important men of the time . He was not as well educated as many of his contemporaries but he possessed a practical common sense that served him well . He did not belong to any particular faction at court, instead he followed his sense as to what was best for the Queen and England in the matter at hand . In matters of the Queens safety and the security of the nation he tended to side with Leicester’s more hardcore party but with religion and other matters he was more in agreement with Burghley’s more conservative policies . Charles was more comfortable with men ,ships and horses than he was with books and ledgers but he became a very able administrator nonetheless. He would go far just by being loyal diligent and honest.\n\nCharles service to England began in his early twenties when he accompanied his father , who was Lord Admiral at the time, on several missions with the fleet during the war with France . His father saw to it that Charles gained the training in leadership and seamanship that would serve him well later in life . He was with his father at Elizabeth’s coronation . Elizabeth kept his father on as Lord Chamberlain , a position he was originally given by Queen Mary , because his father was one of the few who had spoken to Mary in Elizabeth’s favor . Charles early days in court were spent assisting his father in his duties and learning all he could of statecraft . His first assignment for Elizabeth was when he accompanied his father to the treaty negotiations in France to end the war started by Mary and her Husband Philip II of Spain against France . His father gave Charles the honor of bringing the news of the treaty’s ratification to Elizabeth . She rewarded Charles by giving him the first of his many assignments and positions he would serve in , that as special ambassador to the French Court .Some of his other appointments in these early years were as General of Horse under the Earl of Warwick during the Northern Rebellion and as Admiral of the Fleet which escorted the new Queen of Spain , Anne of Austria , through the English Channel. He also served in the House of Commons.\n\nCharles became 2nd Baron Howard of Effingham upon the death of his father in 1573 .From then on the Queen started naming him to more prestigious positions . In 1574 he is named Vice Chamberlain to assist the ailing Lord Sussex . It was in this office that he was responsible for the planning of the Queens progress of 1574 . In 1575 he is elected to the Companionship of the Order of the Garter . In 1580 he is named Commissioner of the Peace for Surrey and Middlesex .In 1582 he takes a conspicuous place in the ceremonials of the Duc d’ Anjou’s visit to court the Queen , and he is named Admiral of the fleet that escorts the Duc back to the Low Countries . He is also named Admiral of a fleet bringing troops and supplies to Ireland . In 1583 he presides over the commission investigating John Hawkins and the state of the Navy .In 1584 Elizabeth names him Lord Chamberlain and Privy Councilor .\n\nSir Charles received the appointment he most cherished ,that of Lord Admiral in 1585 ,the position he holds for the next thirtytwo years . In 1587 Elizabeth names him Lieutenant General , Commander in Chief and Governor of the fleet and army at sea against the Spanish and their allies . It is in this post that Sir Charles leads the English Fleet to victory over the Spanish Armada. He goes to sea as Admiral only once more in 1596 . He is Joint Commander with Robert Devereux , Earl of Essex , when they capture and sack the Spanish city of Cadiz .For his service during the war with Spain Elizabeth names Charles Earl of Nottingham in 1597 .\n\nSir Charles spent his entire adult life in the service of Queen Elizabeth . He was one of the very few who were in attendance during her entire life . It is said that Sir Charles was by the Queen’s side on her deathbed and to him she named James, Our Cousin of Scotland , as her heir to the throne.\n\nSir Charles died on the 16th of December ,1624 . He was eighty-eight years old . He was buried in the parish church of Reigate on December 18th.\n\nSir Charles on progress\n\nWe find Sir Charles on this progress in his capacities of Privy Councilor and newly appointed Lord Admiral . The business of the State does not stop on progress so with his fellow councilors there will be business to attend to as usual , such as Mary Queen of Scots and her plotting to overthrow Elizabeth and my cousin Thomas Howard who is in the Tower for conspiring with Mary . As Lord Admiral I will be inspecting the harbor fortifications , facilities , troops and Her Majesty’s ships that are in the ports we visit such as Bristol . I am accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir John Perrot and Captains Sir Francis Drake and Sir Martin Frobisher . Also while on progress I can visit with several of my Howard and Carey relations.\n		
hunsdbrn02	Steve Smith	Henry Carey	Sir Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon	Berwick Castle\n\n23 June, 1574\n\nMy Dear Lord Leycester,\n\nAs you know, I have served as Warden of the Eastern Marches and Governor of Berwick since August of 1568. Here I have done my best, short of funds and men, to keep safe Her Majesty’s borders with Scotland. I depart today, by her Grace’s leave, to join upon this summer’s progress to report to her on the situation in the north where troubles may be found not just on the Scottish, but also on the English side of the borders. You know of me, but so that others who may not know me well shall trust my words, I include here my tale.\n\nI was born in the year of 1524, the only son of William Carey, Esquire of the Body to King Henry VIII, by his wife Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne. This makes me a first cousin to Her Majesty, the Queen. Howe’re some say, and my mother hath never denied, that I am a natural son of King Henry. Being straightforward in speech and quick to anger as was King Henry, I feel that they may speak the truth. Whether cousins or siblings, I feel that I have much in common with Her Grace since both of our mothers suffered from the political ambitions of our grandfather, Sir Thomas Boleyn. Thus have our lives been shaped by events set in motion long before either of us was born.\n\nI recall not William Carey as he died in my second year of life, leaving me to be raised by my mother, our family out of favor during most of my early years. I took to wife Anne Morgan, the daughter of Sir Thomas Morgan, a Knight of Arkestone in Herefordshire. She birthed me seven sons and three daughters and yet seven of these children survive. As a young man, I was elected thrice to parliament from Buckingham.\n\nThe difficult life experienced under Queen Mary came to an abrupt end with the accession of my kinswoman Elizabeth as Queen in 1558. She did knight me soon after, and at her coronation created me Baron Hunsdon. On 18 May 1561, I was installed as a Knight of the Garter and have served on the Privy Council since near that same time. I would that the Council should hear what I have to say of the threats to Her Grace, and advise with her as to a solution.\n\nI look forward to meeting with you upon my arrival at Bristol.\n\nI remain your obedient servant,\n\nSir Henry Carey, Baron Hunsdon\n\nGovernor of Berwick\n	2003/2003_Hunsdon_Henry_01.jpg	herald-carey.gif
buckhbrn02	Bryan Ross	Thomas Sackville	Sir Thomas Sackville, 1st Baron Buckhurst	[ I by the grace of god and Elizabeth, Queen of England, Ireland , Wales, France and the Virginias; am Sir Thomas Sackville, Baron Buckhurst, Member of her Majesty’s Privy Council, Lord Lieutenant of Sussex, Exchequer to her Majesty the Queen and Commissioner over state trials. I offer this testimony as a brief biography of mine own life to those who wish to know of it.]\n\nIn the year of our Lord 1536; I was born a Catholic in Buckhurst, Sussex, England; to Sir Richard Sackville, Chancellor of the Exchequer (who incidentally took the “Oath of Supremacy” for his family and himself) and his lady wife Winifred Brydges the esteemed daughter of the Mayor of London. I am the second of three children born to the recently mentioned Lord and Lady Sackville. My elder sister Anne ( who I would in later years argue extensively with regarding the ownership of Sir Thomas More's estate Beaufort which she did inherit from my mother, then the First Marchioness of Winchester)and I had led average lives for children of our era and station and had also survived the third sibling a second daughter who passed on at an early age. When I was old enough to realize that I possessed an elder sister I found great sport in the torturing ..... I mean tormenting her, as all young lads do to thier elder siblings of the opposite gender. My education went as planned as my father would say, where upon at the age of fifteen; I was had been educated out of Hart Hall, in Oxford. Two years later in 1553 at the age of seventeen; I left my childhood home and took residence in London where I began pursuing my life as a poet and playwright. At nineteen years of age in 1555, I was joined in the rite of marriage to the daughter of a member of the Privy Council under Queen Mary, Cicely Baker of Kent. This was not only a marriage by the grace of god, but to the advantage of our fathers. In 1558 upon the death of Queen Mary, god save her soul; her half sister Elizabeth Tudor who happens to be my third cousin on her mother Anne Boleyn's side; ascended England's throne. As for mine own self now twenty and two years of age; I was elected to Parliament for Westmoreland. In 1559; I again was elected to another term in Parliament this time for East Grinstead. As was my passion; I began writing "Induction: Mirror For Magistrates", which I did complete in 1563. "Induction" was not the only writing I did endevour at that time; for I also collaborated with my friend and contemporary Thomas Norton, in the writing of England’s first play written primarily in blank verse; a tragedy called "Gorboduc". The collaboration began in 1561 where I did write the final two acts of the play. Ask me about the play, and I will happy to explain.\n\nIn addition during the year of 1561 I did receive the title of "Grandmaster of the Order of Freemasons" and also became a father as my lady wife did give birth to a son (Robert) and again years later a daughter (Anne). In 1563 I was once again was elected to Parliament this time for Aylesbury. When I became thirty and one years of age, I was knighted and raised to peerage as Lord Buckhurst which did take place on the eighth day of June of that year. One year prior to receiving the title of Lord Buckhurst; Queen Elizabeth awarded a piece of property to keeping known as Knole. This was a lovely little estate comprised of a Great House boasting 365 rooms, many staircases and seven courtyards. Oh yes the estate also boasted a thousand acre deer sanctuary. Once again ask me more about Knole; I love to talk about the history of the estate. It is indeed facinating. \n\nIn 1568 I had been commissioned to traveled to France on an official visit , my mission was to persuaded the Queen Mother to make "a motion for the marriage of Elizabeth with her second son, the Duke of Anjou." In 1569 at the age of thirtythree years old, I was honoured to be placed in the office of Lord Lieutenant of Sussex. Two years later in 1571, I did returned to France to congratulate Charles IX on his marriage afterwhich I did return to England bringing Paul du Foix along to continue the discussion of the impending marriage. Also within that year I had been bestowed a Master of Arts from Cambridge. In 1572, I became a member of her Majesty’s Privy Council and became employed as Commissioner at state trials positions I do hold to this day.\n\nAs to the question of my wealth I offer the following explanation....\n\nI received the bulk my wealth from my father Sir Richard Sackville a wealthy landowner whose acquisitiveness earned him the nickname of ’Fillsack’ and was noted for reasons of his great wealth and vast patrimony. I myself continue to live in such a manner as my father did, knowing how to spend my moneys well and in such a way that I and my family could live in a comfortable fashion. An example of how would spend money was thus. The cost ranged from as much as three hundred and fifty pounds to one thousand pounds just to have Queen Elizabeth stay at my Wytham Estate. It was during one of the summer progresses that the previously mentioned amount was merely the basic expense. Added to that was payments for entertainment, temporary buildings, a lavish gift for her Majesty (which was an inescapable and often heavy expense) and for substantial rewards to officers of her household, for new clothes, liveries, and food imported from abroad; for while I did wait for her Majesty to arrive at Wytham, I found that mine own neighbors had used all of the provisions for miles around and I had to send to Flanders to supply myself what was needed; as the others had drawn the country dry. All this just in hopes that Elizabeth might make use of it while staying at my estate.\n\nMore about myself though ...\n\nI feel that positions of authority and power should belong to men only. Women should be kept to the tasks they were raised to do; such as cooking , needlework, lace making, and having children. There is only one exception to this point of view; and that exception is Queen Elizabeth who in the my eyes; Elizabeth is more than just any woman. My loyalty to her Majesty is without condition. I do however feel that Elizabeth should marry if it will be what is right for England, but more importantly right for her. The Queen knows her own mind and is not afraid to use it. As a member of her Majesty’s Privy Council, I am considered a protégée of William Cecil, Baron Burghley and I tends to agree with most of the issues Burghley is in favor of. I do however, tend to follow my own mind and heart. Within the Court, I am friendly and noted to be a man of good humour, yet somewhat of a loner. I also tend to be extravagant with my money; but not to the point of financial detriment I am well liked and respected. I enjoy a good wine, fine food, music, poetry, theater, and singing for the Queen upon occasion. I loathe however those who attempt plots against my Queen, country, and faith (whichever the Throne decides it shall be); and will strive prevent such occurances. I miss my wife Cicely and children Robert and Anne, while on progress and wish that at least my wife could have accompanied me whilst on progress. My children are better left in school, as their education is of vast importance. I have my sister Anne with me on progress; it has been said that it is good to keep friends and family close at hand. But even better to keep advisaries closer where they can be kept and eye on. Sibling rivalry is such a nasty business. Such rivalries however, are set aside, while my sister and I combine to entertain the Queen. As for the other ladies of Court, I have the inclination to be somewhat flirtatious in my lady wife's absence, but not to the point of jeopardizing my marriage. Overall I am very happy with my life and my accomplishments how ere I am always open to do more in service for her Majesty.\n	2003/2003_Buckhurst_Thomas_01.jpg	herald-sackville.gif
burghbrn02	Chuck Guthrie	William Cecil	Sir Willliam Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley	Raised in the surrounding of the court of Henry VIII whom William’s father Richard Cecil served as Steward of the King’s Wardrobe. Educated at Cambridge. While there, married Mary Cheke in a love match. She gave him a son, Thomas, and died shortly thereafter. He returned to London and entered Gray’s Inn, studying the Law. He then worked for Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset when he was Lord Protector of young King Edward, and when Somerset fell from power, was placed in the Tower by Somerset’s successor, John Dudley, Duke of NorthUmberland and father of Guilford, Ambrose, Robert Dubdey. When NorthUmberland felt he had duly repented of the folly of working for a loser, he freed Cecil from the Tower, and put him to work as King Edward’s Principal Secretary, though never giving the the actal title. Just before the death of the young king, NorthUmberland made him sign the Articles of Succession proclaiming Jane Grey, by now NorthUmberlands daughter-in-thelaw, Queen. When Mary Tudor succeeded to the throne instead, she placed William in the Tower to repent of the folly of working for a loser. By this time, William Cecil had remarried. Mildred Cook was his second wife and gave him another son and two daughter; Robert, Anne, and Margaret . When Mary decided he had repented she let him out of the Tower, much due to the intercessions on his behalf by his sister-in-the-law, Lady Anne Bacon. Mary appointed hi surveyor of the Princesss Elizabeths lands with the understanding that he would report all Elizabeth’s activities to Mary. An understanding he basically ignored. A good friendship blossomed between Elizabeth and Cecil during this time and when Mary died and Elizabeth took the throne, she called William to her and gave him the following charge. "I give you this charge, that you shall be of my Privy Council and content to take pains for me and my realm. This judgement I have of you that you will not be tempted by any manner of gift and that you will be faithful to the state; and that, without respect of my private will, you will give me that counsel which you think best and , if you shall know anything necessary to be declared to me of secrecy, you shall show it to me alone." This gave him the position of Principle Secretary. In 1571 she created him Baron Burghley, Lord Treasurer.	2003/2003_Burghly_William_01.jpg	herald-cecil.gif
cobhabrs02	Kiffen Nielsen	Frances Newton	Frances Newton, Lady Brooke, 10th Baroness Cobham	My Dearest William –\n\nHow goes the Cinque Ports; and which one are you in now? Twas good to hear from thee and to be assured of thy continued excellent health. It doth wam my heart that thou dost oft take time to write to me of what thy dutys require of thee when we are apart. As I am certain that thou art appreciative of my letters in return. I am gladdened to hear that thou wast able to look in on our brood when last thou wast in Kent.\n\nWere you satisfied with the tutor that I did retain? Since I have heard naught on the subject from you, I must make the assumption that you are indeed satisfied with my decision in this matter.\n\nHere at Court we are almost ready to start another Progress. ‘Tis at this time of year – and more so this year than in those past – that I miss the comfort and quiet of home. Al the Court seethes with suppressed anticipation and frenzied preparations. We all have so many dutys, and right now they seem to have doubled. I do despair of my actually being e’en close to finishing the gown I am working on. You can mayhaps now understand why I might think our full and ofttimes raucous household might be soothing. Howe’er, I shall prevail in the end. And, at least I do not have to prepare Her Grace for Progress then rush home to Kent to Prepare our household for the arrival of the Court and Her Majesty, as I did twelve years ago, and Lady Huntington has had to do this year. Thank goodness we were still childless then.\n\nNow, on to more important matters. I have thought long on how oft thou dost write to me regarding the Spanish problem. It seems to me that there should be some way to keep the Spanish from always assuming our ships are aggressive. I have come to realize that there may indeed be somewhat that I and the Ladys and Gentlewomen of England can do to alleviate some part of this t