Diary of Anne Clifford 1617

1st January 1617. Upon New Year's day presently after dinner I went to the Savoy to my Lady Carey and from thence he and I went to Somerset House to the Queen where I met Lady Derby, my Lady Bedford (age 37), my Lady Montgomery, and a great deal of company that came along with the King and the Prince. My Lady Arundel had much talk with me about the business and persuaded me to yield to the King in all things. From Somerset House we went to Essex House to see my Lady of Northumberland. From thence I went to see my Lady Rich and so came home. After supper I went to see my Sister Beauchamp and stay'd with her an hour or two for my Lord (age 27) was at the play at Whitehall that night¹.

Note 1. As the King passed by, he kissed me. Afterwards the Queen came out into the Drawing Chamber where she kissed me and used me very kindly.

This was the rst time I ever saw the King, Queen, or Prince since they came out of the North.

2nd January 1617. Upon the 2nd I went to the Tower to see my Lord and my Lady Somerset¹. This was the first time I saw them since the arraignment.

Note 1. The Countess of Somerset was 1st cousin to Richard Earl of Dorset.

5th January 1617. Upon the 25th [sic¹] I went into the Court. We went up into the King's Chamber where my Lord Villiers was created Earl of Buckingham. My Lord (age 27), my Lord of Buckingham, and divers other Lords bringing them up to the King. Supped with my Lord and Lady Arundel and after supper I saw the play of the Mad Lover in the Hall.

Note 1. A mistake for 5th.

6th January 1617. Upon the 6th being Twelfth Day I went about 4 o'clock to the Court with my Lord (age 27). I went up with my Lady Arundel and ate a scrambling supper with her and my Lady Pembroke at my Lord Duke's lodgings. We stood to see the Masque in the box with my Lady Ruthven.

8th January 1617. Upon the 8th we came from London to Knole. This night my Lord (age 27) and I had a falling out about the land.

9th January 1617. Upon the 9th I went up to see the things in the closet and began to have Mr Sandy's book read to me about the Government of the Turks, my Lord (age 27) sitting the most part of the day reading in his closet.

10th January 1617. Upon the 10th my Lord (age 27) went up to London upon the sudden, we not knowing it till the afternoon.

16th January 1617. Upon the 16th I received a letter from my Lord (age 27) that I should come up to London the next day because I was to go before the King on Monday next.

17th January 1617. Upon the 17th when I came up, my Lord (age 27) told me I must resolve to go to the King the next day.

18th January 1617. Upon the 18th being Saturday I went presently after dinner to the Queen to the Drawing Chamber where my Lady Derby told the Queen how my business stood and that I was to go to the King so she promised me she would do all the good in it she could. When I had stay'd but a little while there I was sent for out, my Lord (age 27) and I going through my Lord Buckingham's chamber who brought us into the King, being in the Drawing Chamber. He put out all that were there and my Lord and I kneeled by his chair sides when he persuaded us both to peace and to put the whole matter wholly into his hands, which my Lord consented to, but I beseech'd His Majesty to pardon me for that I would never part from Westmoreland while I lived upon any condition whatsoever. Sometimes he used fair means and persuasions and sometimes foul means but I was resolved before so as nothing would move me. From the King we went to the Queen's side. I brought my Lady St. fohn to her lodgings and so we went home. At this time I was much bound to my Lord for he was far kinder to me in all these businesses than I expected and was very unwilling that the King should do me any public disgrace¹.

Note 1. The Queen gave me warning not to trust my matters absolutely to the King lest he should deceive me.

19th January 1617. Upon the 19th my Lord (age 27) and I went to the Court in the morning thinking the Queen would have gone to the Chapel but she did not, so my Lady Ruthven and I and many others stood in the Closet to hear the sermon. I dined with my Lady Ruthven. Presently after dinner she and I went up to the Drawing Chamber where my Lady D., my Lady Montgomery, my Lord Burleigh, persuaded me to refer these businesses to the King. About 6 o'clock my Lord came for me so he and I and Lady St. John went home in her coach. This night the Masque was danced at the Court but I would not stay to see it because I had seen it already.

20th January 1617. Upon the 20th I and my Lord (age 27) went presently after dinner to the Court, he went up to the King's side about his business, I went to my Aunt Bedford in her lodging where I stay'd in Lady Ruthven's chamber till towards 8 o'clock about which time I was sent for up to the King into his Drawing Chamber when the door was lock'd and nobody suffered to stay here but my Lord and I, my Uncle Cumberland, my Coz. Clifford, my Lords Arundel, Pembroke, Montgomery, Sir John Digby. For lawyers there were my Lord Chief Justice Montague and Hobart Yelverton the King's Solicitor, Sir Randal Crewe that was to speak for my Lord and I. The King asked us all if we would submit to his judgment in this case. My Uncle Cumberland, my Coz. Clifford, and my Lord answered they would, but I would never agree to it without Westmoreland at which the King grew in a great chaff. My Lord of Pembroke and the King's Solicitor speaking much against me, at last when they saw there was no remedy, my Lord fearing the King would do me some public disgrace, desired Sir Fohn Digby would open the door, who went out with me and persuaded me much to yield to the King. My Lord Hay (age 37) came to me to whom I told in brief how this business stood. Presently after my Lord came from the King when it was resolved that if I would not come to an agreement there should be an agreement made without me. We went down, Sir Robert Douglas and Sir George Chaworth bringing us to the coach, by the way my Lord and I went in at Worcester House to see my Lord and Lady and so came home this day. I may say I was led miraculously by God's Providence, and next to that I trust all my good to the worth and nobleness of my Lord's disposition for neither I nor anybody else thought I should have passed over this day so well as I have done.

22nd January 1617. Upon the 22nd the Child had her 6th fit of the ague in the morning. Mr Smith went up in the coach to London to my Lord (age 27) to whom I wrote a letter to let him know in what case the Child was and to give him humble thanks for his noble usage towards me at London. The same day my Lord came down to Knole to see the Child.

23rd January 1617. Upon the 23rd my Lord (age 27) went up betimes to London again. The same day the Child put on her red baize coats.

25th January 1617. Upon the 25th I spent most of my time in working and in going up and down to see the Child. About 5 or 6 o'clock the fit took her, which lasted 6 or 7 hours.

28th January 1617. Upon the 28th at this time I wore a plain green flannel gown that Wilkam Punn made me, and my yellow taffety waistcoat. Rivers used to read to me in Montaigne's Plays and Moll Neville in the Fairy Queen.

4th February 1617. Upon the 4th should have been the Child's fit but she miss'd it. Achin came presently after dinner with a letter to Tom the groom, to meet my Lord (age 27) at Hampton Court with his hunting horses. At night Thomas Woodgate came from London and brought a squirrel to the Child, and my Lord wrote me a letter by which I perceived my Lord was clean out with me and how much my enemies have wrought against me.

6th February 1617. Upon the 6th the Child had a grudging of her ague again at night. M? Orberton came from London and told me that the Baron de ‘oenters came out of France and had great entertainment both of the King and Queen and was lodged at Salisbury House.

7th February 1617. Upon the 7th presently after dinner Mr Oberton [sic] and I had a great deal of talk, he telling me how much I was condemned in the world and what strange censures most folks made of my courses, so I as I kneeled down to my prayers and desired God to send a good end to these troublesome businesses, my trust being wholly in Him that always helped me.

12th February 1617. Upon the 12th the Child had a bitter fit of her ague again, insomuch I was fearful of her that I could hardly sleep all night, so I beseeched God Almighty to be merciful to me and spare her life. Rivers came down presently from London and told me that the Judges had been with the King divers times about my business, but as yet the award is not published, but it is thought that it will be much according to the award that was formerly set down by the Judges. He told me that he had been with Lord William who, as he thought, did not like the agreement considering how he had heretofore shewn himself in the business.

After supper the Child's nose bled which I think was the chief cause she was rid of her ague.

13th February 1617. Upon the 13th the King made a speech in the Star Chamber about duels and combats, my Lord (age 27) standing by his chair where he talked with him all the while, being in extraordinary grace and favour with the King.

19th February 1617. Upon the 19th I sent Mr Edward's man to London with a letter to my Lord (age 27) to desire him to come down hither. All this day I spent with Marsh who did write the chronicles of 1607, who went in afterwards to my prayers, desiring God to send me some end of my troubles that my enemies might not still have the upper hand of me.

16th February 1617. Upon the 16th my Lord (age 27) came hither from London before dinner and told me how the whole state of my business went and how things stood at the Court.

17th February 1617. Upon the 17th about 8 o'clock in the morning my Lord (age 27) returned to London.

At night Mr Asken came and brought me a letter from Lady Grantham and told me a great deal of news from London, and I signed a bill to give him £7 at his return from Jerusalem.

This day I gave the Child's old clothes to Legge for his wife.

21st February 1617. Upon the 21st the Child had an extreme fit of the ague and the Doctor set by her all the afternoon and gave her a salt powder to put in her beer.

22nd February 1617. Upon the 22nd Basket went up with the great horses to my Lord (age 27) because my Lord intended to ride a day's journey with the Prince. Legge came down and brought me word that the King would make a composition and take a course to put me from my right to the lands, so as if I did not consider of it speedily it would be too late and how bitter the King stood against me.

My Sister Compton sent to borrow £77 so I sent her 10 twenty shilling pieces.

27th February 1617. Upon the 27th I spent my time in working and hearing Mr Rose read the Bible and walking abroad.

My Lord (age 27) writ me word that the King had referred the drawing and perfecting the business to the solicitor.

My soul was much troubled and afflicted to see how things go, but my trust is still in Gop, and compare things past with things present and read over the Chronicles.

March 1617. About this time the curtain in the Child's room was let up to let in the light which had been close shut up for 3 weeks or a month before.

About this time the King and my Lord Chancellor delivered the Seals of Sir Francis Bacon and he was lord keeper.

1st March 1617. Upon the 1st after Supper my Mother Dorset¹ came hither to see me and the Child.

Note 1. 2nd wife of Robert Earl of Dorset and stepmother to Richard.

3rd March 1617. Upon the 3rd Petley¹ and Tom went to Buckhurst with my Lord's (age 27) horses and hounds to meet my Lord there, by whom I wrote a letter to my Lord to beseech him that he would take Knole on his way as he goes to London.

Note 1. Under Farrier.

5th March 1617. Upon the 5th Couch puppied in the morning.

8th March 1617. The 8th I made an end of reading Exodus with Mt Ran. After Supper I play'd at Glecko with the Steward and as I often do after dinner and supper.

9th March 1617. Upon the 9th Mr Ran said service in the Chapel but made no sermon. In the afternoon I went abroad in the garden and said my prayers in the Standing. I was not well at night so I ate a posset and went to bed.

11th March 1617. The 11th we perceived the Child had two great teeth come out so that in all she had now 18. I went in the afternoon and said my prayers in the Standing in the garden and spent my time in reading and working as I used to do. The time grew tedious so as I used to go to bed about 8 o'clock and did lie a-bed till 8 the next morning.

12th March 1617. Upon the 12th I wrote to my Lord (age 27), to Sir Walter Raleigh, Marsh, &c.

13th March 1617. The 13th made an end of Leviticus with Mr Ran. I sent by Willoughby a little jewel of opal to Lady Frenchard's girl.

14th March 1617. The 14th I made an end of my Irish stitch cushion. This afternoon Basket came from London and told me that my Lord (age 27) and my Uncle were agreed and the writings sealed.

The King set forward this day on his journey to Scotland, the Queen and Prince going with him to Thibalds¹.

Note 1. The 14th being Friday my Uncle Cumberland and my Coz. Clifford came to Dorset House where my Lord and they signed and sealed the writings and made a final conclusion of my business and did what they could to cut me off from my right, but I referred my cause to GOD.

Upon this Friday or Saturday died my Lord Chancellor Egerton (age 77), Lady Derby's (age 67) husband.

15th March 1617. Upon the 15th my Lord (age 27) came down to Buckhurst and was so ill by the way that was fain to alight once or twice and go into a house. All the household were sent down from London to Knole.

16th March 1617. The 16th my Lord (age 27) sent for John Cook to make broths for him and Josiah¹ to wait in his chamber, by whom I wrote a letter to entreat him that if he were not well I might come down to Buckhurst to him. This day I spent in walking in the Park with Judith², carrying my Bible with me, thinking on my present fortunes and what troubles I have passed through³.

Note 1. Mr. Josiah Cooper, a Frenchman, Page.

Note 2. Mrs. Judith Simpton of the Laundry Maids' Table.

Note 3. Upon the 17th the woman made an end of the sheet of Lady Sussex's work that is for the pallet which was begun in April, presently after I came out of the North from my Mother.

About this time my Lord Hay (age 37) was sworn a Privy Councillor.

About this time my Lord took Adam a new barber to wait on him in his Chamber.

Portrait of Margaret Sackville Countess Isle Thanet described as being by Mytens. See here.

19th March 1617. The 19th Willoughby brought me very kind messages from my Sister Compton, my Sister Beauchamp, and the rest of the ladies I sent her to.

20th March 1617. The 20th I spent most of my time in walking and playing at cards with the Steward and Basket, and had such ill luck that I resolved not to play in 3 months.

After supper I wrote a letter to my Lord (age 28) to entreat him that he would come and see me and the Child as soon as he could. The 21st Ned the footman came from Buckhurst and told me that my Lord was reasonable well and had missed his fit which did much comfort me.

22nd March 1617. The 22nd my Cook Hortitius came down from London by Dr Layfield and the Steward came from Buckhurst and told me my Lord (age 28) had not been well, so as his going to London had him put off till the next week and that he had lent out his house to my Lord Keeper for 2 terms till the Lady Derby was gone out of York House, and my Brother Sackville had written to my Lord to lend him the letter to bring up my Sister Sackville to town, who was 13 weeks. gone with child. This day I began a new Irish stitch cushion, not one of those for Lady Rich, but finer canvas. The 24th we made rosemary cakes.

26th March 1617. The 28th¹ my Lord (age 28) came here with Thomas Glenham (age 23) from Buckhurst, he was troubled with a cough and was fain to lie in Leicester Chamber.

Note 1. A mistake for the 26th.

27th March 1617. The 27th my Lord (age 28) told me he had acknowledged no statutes and that the matter was not so fully finished but there was a place left for me to come in. My Lord found me reading with Mr Ran and told me it would hinder his study so as I must leave off reading the Old Testament till I can get somebody to read it with me. This day I made an end of reading Deuteronomy.

28th March 1617. The 28th I walk'd abroad with my Lord (age 28) in the Park and the garden, where he spake to me much of this business with my uncle. I wrought much within doors and strived to sit as merry a face as I could upon a discontented heart, for I might easily perceive that Matthew and Lindsay had got a great hand of my Lord and were both against me. Yet by this means they put Lord William clean out of all grace and trust with my Lord, which I hope may be the better hereafter for me and my Child, knowing that Gop often brings things to pass by contrary means.

29th March 1617. Upon the 29th my Lord (age 28) went to London, I bringing him down to his coach. I found this time that he was nothing so much discontented with this agreement as I thought he would have been, and that he was more pleased and contented with the passages in London than I imagined he would have been.

30th March 1617. The 30th I spent in walking and sitting in the Park having my mind more contented than it was before my Lord (age 28) came from Buckhurst.

April 1617. About this time the Marquis Damse was slain in France, which bred great alterations there.

About this time Lady Robert Rich was brought to bed of a 3rd son called Henry (age 27) which was her fifth child.

2nd April 1617. The 2nd my Lord (age 28) came down from London with Tom Glenham with him, my Lord told me how the King was gone with so few company as he had but one Lord went with him through Northamptonshire.

4th April 1617. The 4th my Lord (age 28) told me he had as yet passed no finished recoveries of my land, but that my Uncle Cumberland had acknowledged statutes for the payment of the money, and that all the writings were left with my Lord Keeper and Lord Hobart till 21st next term, at which time they were fully to be concluded on. This was strange news to me, for I thought all matters had been finish'd.

This day we began to leave the little room and dine and sup in the great Chamber.

5th April 1617. The 5th my Lord (age 28) went up to my closet and said how little money I had left contrary to all they had told him. Sometimes I had fair words from him and sometimes foul, but I took all patiently, and did strive to give him as much content and assurance of my love as I could possibly, yet I told him that I would never part with Westmoreland upon any condition whatever. Upon the 6th after supper because my Lord was sullen and not willing to go into the nursery I made Mary bring the Child to him into my chamber, which was the 1st time she stirred abroad since she was sick.

7th April 1617. Upon the 7th my Lord (age 28) lay in my chamber.

8th April 1617. Upon the 8th I set by my Lord (age 28) and my Brother Sackville in the Drawing Chamber and heard much talk about my businesses and did perceive that he was entered into a business between my Lady of Exeter and my Lord Roos of which he will not easily quit himself.

Note 1. Capt. Maimdaring and these folk told me for certain was grown so gracious to English folk that he had that the march with Spain to our Prince would go forward. The King of Spain was grown so gracious to English folk that he had written a letter in behalf of Lord Willoughby's brother to get him out of the Inquisition.

11th April 1617. Upon the 11th my Lord (age 28) was very ill this day and could not sleep so that I lay on a pallet.

12th April 1617. The 12th Mrs Watson came here, with whom I had much talk of my Lord's (age 28) being made a Knight of the Garter. This night I went into Judith's chamber where I mean to continue till my Lord is better.

13th April 1617. The 13th my Lord (age 28) sat where the gentlemen used to sit. He dined abroad in the great Chamber and supped privately with me in the Drawing Chamber and had much discourse of the manners of the folks at court.

14th April 1617. The 14th I was so ill with lying in Judith's chamber that I had a plain fit of a fever.

15th April 1617. The 15th I was so sick and my face so swelled that my Lord (age 28) and Tom Glenham were fain to keep the table in the Drawing Chamber and I sat within. Marsh came in the afternoon to whom I gave directions to go to Mr Davis and Mrs Walter about the drawing of letters to the tenants in Westmoreland because I intend sending him thither. This night I left Judith's chamber and came to lie in the chamber where I lay when my Lord was in France, in the green cloth of gold bed where the Child was born.

16th April 1617. The 16th my Lord (age 28) and I had much talk about these businesses, he urging me still to go to London to sign and seal but I told him that my promise so far passed to my brother and to all the world that I would never do it, whatever became of me and mine.

17th April 1617. Upon ye 17th in the morning my Lord (age 28) told me he was resolved never to move me more in these businesses, because he saw how fully I was bent.

18th April 1617. The 18th being Good Friday I spent most of the day in hearing Kate Buchin read the Bible and a Book of the preparation to the Sacrament.

19th April 1617. The 19th I signed 33 letters with my own hand which I sent by him to the tenants in Westmoreland. 'The same night my Lord (age 28) and I had much talk of and persuaded me to these businesses, but I would not, and yet I told him I was in perfect charity with all the world. All this Lent I eat flesh and observed no day but Good Friday.

20th April 1617. The 20th being Easter Day my Lord (age 28) and I and Tom Glenham and most of the folk received the Communion by Mr Ran, yet in the afternoon my Lord and I had had a great falling out, Mathew continuing still to do me all the ill office he could with my Lord. All this time I wore my white satin gown and my white waistcoat.

22nd April 1617. The 22nd he came to dine abroad in the great Chamber; this night we played at Burley Break upon the Bowling Green.

23rd April 1617. The 23rd Lord Clanricarde came hither. After they were gone my Lord (age 28) and I and Tom Glenham went to Mr Lune's house to see the fine flowers that is in the garden.

This night my Lord should have lain with me but he and I fell out about matters.

24th April 1617. The 24th my Lord (age 28) went to Sen'noak again. After supper we played at Burley Break upon the Green. This night my Lord came to lie in my chamber.

This night being Friday I came to keep my fish days which I intend to keep all the year long. After dinner I had a great deal of talk with Richard Dawson that served my Lady, he telling me all the names, how the possession of Brougham Castle was delivered to my Uncle of Cumberland's folks, and how Mr Worleigh and all my people are gone from home except John Ruvy, who kept all the stuff in the Baron's Chamber, the plate being already sent to Lord Willam Howard's.

26th April 1617. The 26th I spent the evening in working and going down to my Lord's (age 28) Closet where I sat and read much in the Turkish History and Chaucer.

28th April 1617. The 28th was the first time the Child put on a pair of whalebone bodice.

My Lord (age 28) went a hunting the fox and the hare. I sent Wiliam Punn to Greenwich to see my Lady Roxburrow and remember my service to Mr Q. About this time my Lord made the Steward alter most of the rooms in the house, and dress them up as fine as he could, and determined to make all his old clothes in purple stuff for the Gallery and Drawing Chamber.

1st May 1617. Upon the 1st I cut the Child's strings off from her coats and made her use togs alone, so as she had two or three falls at first but had no hurt with them.

2nd May 1617. The 2nd the Child put on her first coat that was laced with lace, being of red baize.

3rd May 1617. The 3rd my Lord (age 28) went from Buckhurst to London, and rid it in four hours, he riding very hard, a hunting all the while he was at Buckhurst and had his health exceeding well.

7th May 1617. The 7th my Lord Keeper rode from Dorset House to Westminster in great pomp and state, most of the Lords going with him, amongst which my Lord (age 28) was one.

8th May 1617. The 8th I spent this day in working, the time being very tedious unto me as having neither comfort nor company, only the Child.

12th May 1617. The 12th I began to dress my head with a roll without a wire.

I wrote not to my Lord (age 28) because he wrote not to me since he went away. After supper I went with the Child who rode the piebald nag that came out of Westmoreland to Mrs .

14th May 1617. The 14th the Child came to lie with me, which was the first time that ever she lay all night in a bed with me since she was born.

15th May 1617. The 15th the Child put on her white coats and left off many things from her head, the weather growing extreme hot.

Mrs Ryder came here and told me Lord Sheffield's (age 51) wife (age 77) was lately dead since the King went from York.

17th May 1617. The 17th the Steward came from London and told me my Lord (age 28) was much discontented with me, for not doing this business, because he must be fain to buy land for the payment of the money which will much encumber his estate.

18th May 1617. Upon the 18th Mr Wolrich came hither to serve me, he bringing me news that all Westmoreland was surrender'd to my Uncle Cumberland.

19th May 1617. The 19th came my Coz. Sir Edward George who brought me a token from my Lady Somerset.

24th May 1617. The 24th we set up a great many of the books that came out of the North in my closet, this being a sad day with me thinking of the troubles I have passed. I used to spend much time with Mr Wolrich in talking of my dear Mother and other businesses in the North.

This time my Lord's Mother did first of all sue out of her thirds which was an increase of trouble and discontent to my Lord.

25th May 1617. The 25th my Lord St. John's tailor came to me hither to take measure of me and to make me a new gown. In the afternoon my Coz. Russell (age 24) wrote me a letter to let me know how my Lord (age 28) had cancelled my jointure he made upon me last June when I went into the North, and by these proceedings I may see how much my Lord is offended with me and that my enemies have the upper hand of me. I am resolved to take all patiently, casting all my care upon Gop. His footman told me that my Coz. Russell and my Lady Bedford (age 37) were agreed, and my Lord Herbert and his Lady, and that the next week they were to seal the writings and the agreement, which I little expected.

27th May 1617. The 27th I wrote a letter to my Lord (age 28) to let him know how ill I took his cancelling my jointure, but yet told him I was content to bear it with patience, whatsoever he thought fit.

29th May 1617. The 29th I wrote a letter to my Sister Beauchamp and sent her a lock of the Child's hair. I wrote a letter to my Sister Compton and my Aunt Glenham¹, I being desirous to win the love of my Lord's kindred by all the fair means I could.

Note 1. Anne eldest daughter of 1st Earl of Dorset married to Sir Henry Glenham of Glenham in Com. Suff.

31st May 1617. The 31st Mr Hodgson told me my Coz. Chfford went in at Brougham Castle and saw the house but did not lie there, and that all the tenants were very well affected towards me and very ill towards them.

3rd June 1617. The 3rd Mr Heardson came hither in the morning and told me that many did condemn me for standing out so in this business, so on the other side many did command me in regard that I have done that which is both just and honourable.

This night I went into a bath.

6th June 1617. The 6th after supper we went in the coach to Goodwife Syshes and ate so much cheese there that it made me sick.

8th June 1617. The 8th being Whit Sunday we all went to Church, but my eyes were so blubbered with weeping that I could scarce look up, and in the afternoon we again fell out about Mathew. After supper we play'd at Burley Brake upon the Bowling Green.

9th June 1617. The 9th I wrote a letter to the Bishop of London against Mathew. The same day Mt Hodgson came home, who had been with my Coz. Russell (age 24) at Chiswick, and [told me?] what a deal of care he had of me, and my Coz. Russell and my Coz. George sent me word that all my businesses would go on well but they could not find that the business or agreement was fully concluded, in regard there was nothing had passed the Great Seal.

13th June 1617. The 13th I sayed [essayed?] on my sea water green satin gown and my damask embroidered with gold, both which gowns the Tailor which was sent from London made fit for me to wear with open ruffs after the French fashion.

Note 1. Ever since the King going to Scotland the Queen lay at Greenwich, the Prince being often with her till about the time she removed to Oatlands,

16th June 1617. The 16th Mr Wolrich came home and brought me very favourable message from the Court.

19th June 1617. The 19th I wrote a letter to the Queen of thankfulness for the favours she had done me and enclosed it to Lady Ruthven desiring her to deliver it.

20th June 1617. The 20th I read a letter from my Coz. George which advertised me of many proceedings and showed me the care my Coz. Russell (age 24) had of all my business, and within it a letter from the Lady Somerset. I returned a present answer to both these letters and sent my Coz. George half a buck which my Lord (age 28) had sent me half an hour before with an indifferent kind letter.

21st June 1617. The 21st I spent the time as I did many wearisome days besides, in working and walking. After supper I walked in the garden and gathered cherries, and talked with Josiah who told me he thought all the men in the house loved me exceedingly, except Mathew and two or three of his consorts.

22nd June 1617. The 22nd my Lord (age 28) sent Adam to trim the Child's hair, and sent me the dewsetts of two deer and wrote me a letter between kindness and unkindness.

Note 1. Mr. Adam Bradford, Barber.

25th June 1617. The 25th my Lord (age 28) went up to London to christen Sir Thomas Howard's child with the Prince, my Lord being exceeding great with all them and so with my Brother Sackville, he hoping by their means to do me and my Child a great deal of hurt.

30th June 1617. The 30th still working and being extremely melancholy and sad to see things go so ill with me and fearing my Lord (age 28) would give all his land away from the Child.

1st July 1617. The 1st still working and sad.

2nd July 1617. The 2nd received a letter from Sir George Rivers who sent me word that my Lord (age 28) was setting his land upon his Brother and that the value of the fines I released to my Lord was very great, which did much perplex me.

3rd July 1617. The 3rd I rode on horseback to Withyham to see my Lord Treasurer's tomb [Thomas Sackville] and went down into the vault and came home again, I weeping the most part of the day seeing my enemies had the upper hand of me. My Lady Rich sent a man hither with a letter of kindness by whom I sent a letter to my Lord (age 28) desiring him to come hither because I found myself very ill.

7th July 1617 and 8th July 1617. The 7th and 8th still I kept in complaining of my side which I took to be the spleen.

9th July 1617. The 9th Marsh brought me the King's award.

10th July 1617 and 11th July 1617. The 10th and 11th I spent in perusing that and other writings, the award being as ill for me as possible.

Note 1. About this time there was a great stir about my Lady Hatton's daughter—my Brother Sackville undertaking to carry her away with men and he had and horses; and he had another squabble about a man arrested in Fleet Street. After this he went to the Spa and left my Sister Sackville to keep my Sister Beauchamp company.

12th July 1617. The 12th Mr Davis came hither to whom I shewed the award, desiring him to make an abstract of it to send down to the tenants. Presently after my Lord (age 28) came down hither, he being something kinder to me than he was, out of pity in regard he saw me so much troubled.

15th July 1617. The 15th at night Mrs Arundell's men brought me a dapple grey horse which she has long promised me.

16th July 1617. The 16th Lady Wootton came here on horseback, she and my Lord (age 28) having lain that night at Sir Percival Hart's, and so hunted a deer as far as Otford; she stay'd not above an hour in regard she saw I was so resolutely bent not to part with Westmoreland.

Note 1. At Lullingstone Castle.

Note 2. About this time Lord Keeper and all his Company left Dorset House. [Q: House.]

20th July 1617. The 20th I wrote letters into Westmoreland and sent a bow'd angel to Hugh Hartley's wife and to Lady Lothera pair of Willoughby's gloves.

The same night Dr Donne came hither.

27th July 1617. The 27th I went to Church (being Sunday) forenoon and afternoon, Dr Donne Preaching and he and the other strangers dining with me in the great Chamber.

31st July 1617. The 31st I sat still, thinking the time to be very tedious.

1st August 1617. The 1st I rode on horseback, Moll Neville, Kate Burton, and as many horses as I could get, alighted at Sir Percival Hart's, and a Steward went to Lady Worth, whither my Lady Rich came from London to meet me.

Note 1. About this time my Lord Roos went over beyond sea, there being great discontent between him and his wife. About this time Lord Zonet went by sea into Scotland to the King and Sir John Digby set out on his long expected journey to Spain.

2nd August 1617. The 2nd my Brother Compton came hither before supper, my Lord (age 28) came from London, this time of his being here he lying in my chamber.

3rd August 1617. The 3rd in the afternoon we had much falling out about the house which my Lord (age 28) would have me undertake, which I refused in regard things went so ill with me. This night the Child lay all night with my Lord and me, this being the first night she did so.

4th August 1617. The 4th in the morning my Lord (age 28) went to Penshurst but would not suffer me to go with him although my Lord and Lady Lisle sent a man on purpose to desire me to come. He hunted and lay there all night, there being my Lord of Montgomery, my Lord Hay (age 37), my Lady Lucy, and a great deal of other company, yet my Lord and I parted reasonable good friends, he leaving with me his grandmother's ring. The 8th I kept my chamber all day and at night Mr Ran came and persuaded me to be friends with Mathew, but I told him that I had received so many injuries from him that I could hardly forget them.

10th August 1617. The 10th (Sunday) I kept my chamber being very troubled and sad in mind.

11th August 1617. The 11th my Lord (age 28) went from Buckhurst, beginning his progress into Sussex. My Uncle Nevil¹, my Brother Compton, Tom Glenham, Coventry and about 30 horsemen, they being very gallant, brave and merry. Mr Ran brought me a message from Matthew how willing he should be to have my favour, whereto I desired M® Ran to tell him as I was a Christian I would forgive him, and so had some hours speech with M? Ran.

Note 1. Sir Henry Neville Lord Abergavenny married Mary 3rd daughter of Thomas 1st Earl of Dorset.

12th August 1617 and 13th August 1617. The 12th and 13th I spent most of the time in playing at Glecko and hearing Moll Neville read the Arcadia.

19th August 1617. The 19th my Lord (age 28) wrote me a very kind letter from Lewes to which I wrote an answer presently. In the afternoon I went to Penshurst on horseback to my Lord Lisle where I found Lady Dorothy Sidney (age 19)¹, my Lady Manners, with whom I had much talk, and my Lord Norris, she and I being very kind. There was Lady Worth who told me a great deal of news from beyond sea, so we came home at night, my Coz. Barbara Sidney bringing me a good part of the way.

Note 1. Daughter of Henry Percy 9th Earl of Northumberland (age 53). Wife of Robert Sidney (age 21) eldest surviving son of Lord Lisle (age 53) who in the following year was created Earl of Leicester. Mother of Sacharissa.

28th August 1617. The 28th Marsh came hither, he told me a rumour of my Brother Sackville's fighting and many other businesses of my Lord Essex (age 26) and my Lord Paget.

29th August 1617. The 29th Mr Castor came hither and told me that my Brother was slain.

1st September 1617. The 1st Sir Thos. Worth and his wife came and sat with me most part of the afternoon, they telling me a great deal of news of Lady Carey. The Widow Duck came from London and told me there was no such thing as my Brother Sackville's fighting with Sir John Wentworth.

15th September 1617. Upon the 15th we rid on horseback to my Lady Selby's, all this week I being at home and was sad to see how ill things went with me. My Lord (age 28) being in the midst of his merry progress far out of Sussex where he had hunted in many gentlemen's Parks. Then he went to Woodstock to meet the King, and he stay'd up and down at many gentlemen's houses a good while. From thence he went to the Bath where he stay'd not above two days but yet returned to London till about Michaelmas.

29th September 1617. The 29th my Lord (age 28) came here to Knole from his long journey. All this Michaelmas did my Lord receive four thousand pounds of my Uncle the Earl of Cumberland, which was the first penny that I received of my portion.

4th October 1617. Upon the 4th came Sir Percival Hart (age 48) and Sir Edward to dine, and after dinner my Lord (age 28) shewed them his stables and all his great horses.

25th October 1617. The 25th being Saturday my Lady Lisle, my Lady [blank in MS.], my Coz. Barbara Sidney [came?], and I walked with them all the Wildernesse over and had much talk with her of my Coz. Clifford and other matters. They saw the Child and much commended her. I gave them some marmalade of quince, for about this time I made much of it.

28th October 1617. The 28th I strung my chains and bracelets with Willoughby.

Note 1. These 3 days were the last that ever I was in my Mother's Chamber in St. Austin Friars, which was the chamber I was married in to Richard Lord Buckhurst who was Earl of Dorset three days after I married him.

30th October 1617. The 30th fell the Child to be something ill and out of temper like a grudging of an ague, which continued with him [sic] about a month or 6 weeks after.

31st October 1617. The 31st my Brother Sackville spent the day with playing at cards with my Coz. Howard.

November 1617. My Brother Sackville and my Coz. Charles Howard went up to London, my Lord (age 28) stayed behind, but went upon Monday after to Buckhurst, so stay'd there and at Lewes till I came hither again. I left Moll Neville and Kate Burton here to keep the Child company.

2nd November 1617. The 2nd being Sunday I went to Church with my Sister Sackville to St. Bride's, and afterwards my Coz. George and I went and dined with my Lady Ruthven, where I met my Lady Shrewsbury. In the afternoon I saw her Lord there. All the time I was at the Court I wore my green damask gown embroidered without a farthingale. The same day I sent the Queen by my Lady Ruthven the skirts of a white satin gown all pearled and embroidered with colours which cost me fourscore pounds without the satin.

3rd November 1617. The 3rd I went to see my Lady St. John, from there I went to Austin Friars where I wept extremely to remember my dear and blessed Mother. I was in the chamber where I was married and went into most of the rooms in the house, but found very little or nothing of all the stuffs and pictures remaining there. From thence I went to my Lo [blank in MS.] and so to Whitehall, where my [Lady?] Ruthven and my Lady Arundel told me that the next day I should speak to the King, for my Lady Arundel was exceedingly kind to me all this time.

Note 1. The 4th day King James kissed me when I was with him, and that was the first time I was so near King James as to touch him.

4th November 1617. The 4th I carried Lady Rich to dine with me to Mrs Watson's where we met my Coz. — Russell and my Coz. George and had an extreme great feast. From thence I went to the Court where the Queen sent for me into her own bedchamber and here I spake to the King. He used me very graciously and bid me go to his attorney, who should inform him more of my desires. All the time of my being in London I used to sup privately and to send to Mr Davis to confer privately about my said business.

5th November 1617. The 5th I carried Mr Davis to Gray's Inn to the attorney, when I told him His Majesty's pleasure. From thence I went to Mr Walton's lodgings to entreat his advice and help in this business, and so I came down this night to Knole. The next day my Lord Hay (age 37) was married to Lady Lucy Percy (age 17).

Note 1. Sister of Lady Dorothy Sidney (age 19).

17th November 1617. The 17th in the morning my Lord (age 28) brought my Coz. Clifford (though much against his will) into my bedchamber where we talked of ordinary matters some quarter of an hour, and so he went away.

19th November 1617. The 19th came Sir John Taylor with whom I had some 2 hours' talk of ancient times of my Father and the North.

20th November 1617. The 20th I came down to Knole leaving my Lord (age 28) behind me.

30th November 1617. The 30th I do not remember whether my Lord (age 28) went to Church.

December 1617. The 2nd the Child grew ill with a cough and a pain in her head so as we feared the small-pox, but it proved nothing for within 8 days she recovered. About this time Lady Rich was brought to bed of a son, her sixth child. I should have christened it, but it died in 3 or 4 days.

8th December 1617. The 8th I was not very well, and Mr Thomas Cornwallis the groom porter came hither.

9th December 1617. The 9th I spent in talking with him of Queen Elizabeth and such old matters at the Court.

10th December 1617. The 10th my Lord (age 28) went to Buckhurst where all country gentlemen met him with their greyhounds. All the officers of the house went to Buckhurst where my Lord kept feasting till the 13th at which time all the gentlemen went away. Sir Thomas Parker was there, my Brother Sackville and he had much squabbling. From this day to the 20th my Lord lived privately at Buckhurst having no company with him but Matthew.

15th December 1617. The 15th came Sir H. Nevill's lady, I carried her up to my closet and shewed her all my things and gave her a pair of Spanish leather gloves.

22nd December 1617. The 22nd my Lord (age 28) and all the household removed to London, the Child going before in a litter.

25th December 1617. The 25th Christmas Day Mr [blank in MS.] preached in the Chapel and my Lord (age 28) and I dined below, there being great housekeeping all this Xmas at Dorset House.

28th December 1617. The 28th I went to Church in my rich night gown and petticoat, both my women waiting upon me in their liveries, but my Lord (age 28) stayed at home. There came to dine Mrs Levisey and a great company of the neighbours to eat venison.

Now I had a great desire to have all my Father's sea voyages written, so I did set Jones to inquire about these matters.

Note. About this time Lady Rich was brought to bed of her 1st Son [sic] at Baynard's Castle, and in a little while after fell sick of the small-pox. About this time died Jem Robins' man, but he left his master no remembrance, for they was fallen out.

1618. Note. The diary has no entries for 1618.