Lady Lettice Knollys
Name Given at Birth: Lettice Knollys
Nicknames: None
Hometown or where you were born: I was born in Rotherfield Greys, a village of Oxfordshire. It is a small village with beautiful gardens and sweet Cherry Blossom trees. There is, in fact, a new chapel that bears my father’s namesake!
Current Residence: Staffordshire is my home but I reside with her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. She has given me a position as her lady of court. We spend much of our time at Whitehall unless her Majesty tires of the scenery and wants to travel.
Age: 34 beautiful years!
Class: Nobility…I was married to Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, God called him back to heaven too early. I am a Countess and a cousin, of the Queen.
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I tend to her Majesty whenever she doth call for me.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: Nay, I do not swim nor do I know how.
Do you make fun of people: Only a select few do I poke fun at. I do not jest to hurt another’s feelings, that is un-called for.
Favorite Color: Red, for it is the color of true passion and vigor.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: No. Although there was idle gossip over mysterious circumstances involving my beloved late husband’s death and myself! Her Majesty was patient and supportive as an autopsy revealed he did not pass from foul hands.
Closest friends/How did you meet: My fellow attendants of the court, to be certain, as well as a few more!
* Margaret Radcliffe is a talented lacer and has a sense of adventure. She is known to sneak out of the castle for a few hours to go to market.
* Elizabeth Throckmorton wins every verbal battle I’ve seen her in! At times, her tongue is sharper than a sword!
* Katharine Ashley is a very sweet lady who welcomed me the first day that I was brought to London. She is an angel.
* Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth! She is an amazing woman that walks along the bull headed men of court. I do not believe that I could keep my patience with some of the tactics they use on her. She is an inspiration.
* Sir Robert Dudley, all the women swoon when he walks past. However his heart is reserved for the Queen.
* Sir Francis Drake! Ha! He does like a few spars and can be found asking for fencing partners.
* Sir Walter Raleigh is a favorite of mine. He is a gentleman and wishes my family well.
* Sir John Hawkins makes me laugh and angers me at the same time. I believe if I was a man, we would be rivals.
* The Queen’s maid is a brilliant confidante of mine! She is very loyal and is an excellent source of communication if I need it.
* Mistress Elizabeth Borden, she is also known as the Merry Widow. She is, in fact, my sister-in-law and has been a dear, close friend for years.
One Pillow or two: I have three! Two for resting my head upon and one to hold close as I dream of the one who has captured my heart.
Pets: My country estate in Staffordshire houses my pets. I have four dogs, six horses and three cats. I made sure that each of my children and I had a horse for family rides.
Favorite Type of Music: I adore drums! At the joust, there are drummers to accent the excitement of crossing lances! It does make my skin prickle with delight!
Hobbies/Pastimes: I enjoy sewing and needlework with her Majesty and the ladies. I’ve also picked up her Majesty’s ways with the gentlemen of the court. I like to read in the garden or alone in the morning, since her Majesty does not rise until later than I. I also do like to watch the joust.
Personal Hygiene: I do keep myself as clean and presentable as possible. The Queen likes to choose our gowns for us during special visits and feasts but all of them are remarkably stylish! I do try to wash my skin with flower water everyday before I retire to bed.
Favorite Food: I enjoy the feasts that we attend! There are fruits, cheeses, bread, pork, beef…the freshest of everything! And there is much to sample and partake in-that is my favorite.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: My father, Francis Knollys, is still alive. He has served our Queen in her private council, holds a seat in Parliament and is Tresurer of the House. He’s quite devoted to our Protestant religion and is highly spirited to get things done. I sometimes fell I am much like my father. I do love him and respect how hard he has worked for our family line.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: My mother, Catherine Carey, died in the year of our Lord, 1568. She was a kind woman and was said to be the daughter of King Henry VIII! She made no mention that she was a part of the King’s children. Instead she accepted the position as her Majesty’s Lady of the Chamber until her death. I do miss her smile and quiet, gentle disposition.
Favorite place to relax: I enjoy the Whitehall reading room. The Queen encourages us to read and learn as much about our world as possible. A soft chair, warm window and a good book are very relaxing to me.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: I enjoy Easter holidays for the welcoming of rebirth and knowing that the almighty does have a plan for all of us.
Favorite Drink: Warm, spiced mead. Or the chocolate mixture that her Majesty treats us to!
What's your bedtime: I retire whenever the Queen dismisses me. There are nights when she has the ladies sit with her until late to discuss various topics!
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: At the castle and Staffordshire, I wear slippers. However, if we are on an outing, I do wear boots.
Are you married or single: I am a widow. I was married to Walter Devereux, Viscount Hereford and the first Earl of Essex. After my Walter’s death; her Majesty assigned his duties to Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
Do you have a family / who are they: I do have four children from my marriage:
- Penelope: my eldest daughter and shining star.
- Dorothy: Studious and careful with her words, she is smart.
- Robert: Dashing and very handsome, I believe he inherited my good looks and charm!
- Walter: Practically like his father, he can be a tad boring but I do love him.
Favorite Entertainment: I do enjoy the gaming joust! Have you attended one, as of yet? You must! I also enjoy going with her Majesty to tennis matches and theatre antics by Master Shakespeare.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: I did like cleaning my mother’s room for I would find her jewels and wear them, pretending to be a Lady in Court. I guess that dreams do come true!
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: That would be practicing prayers with my father. He is deeply religious and kept my brothers and sisters and I meditating and praying. Of course, these prayers did help my emotional state with losing my husband.
Favorite Sport: The joust! I admire one gentleman in particular-Sir William, Lord of Whitehall. His manner is most charming for many ladies swoon at the mere sight of him; but on the list, he is as fierce as any man should be. I would dare to fancy him but he is her Majesty’s favorite and champion. I do hold back any affections or feelings, that I have for him if she be nearby.
Most Humiliating Moment: I remember the first day that I met Sir Dudley in the hallway as I arrived to be presented to her Majesty. I smiled at him and complimented about the color of his eyes and the Queen didn’t take to well to my admiration. I was told that Sir Dudley was only to be gazed upon by her eyes and no other.
Proudest Moment: I am proud on having the strength and courage to get through my dear husband’s death. The gossip was very taxing and another widow, Mistress Elizabeth Borden, did assist me with easing my fears losing Walter. Her Majesty had Mistress Borden stay with me for three days and promised my family would make it through the awful things that were said. I consider Mistress Borden a dear sister as we recover from the losses in our lives.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Lady Margaret Radcliffe! Of course, I do no see her as silly or crazy but she does amuse me so! She is enamoured with pirates and daring adventure! Pirates are far below her elevated status! As long as my good friend’s heart is not broken, I find her spirit quite entertaining.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: Around six feet tall, the brightest of blue eyes that shimmer as the light reflects on the ocean, a disarming smile that makes my very soul sing, sand-kissed hair that matches the sun, and strongest of arms; if only he would reach out to my own. He is strong, gentle and kind but stands for what he believes in and will fight against the wrongs of the world. Find him and you will most certainly find me.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" My overlords are: her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth who is a powerful woman. I can see things along the same way as she does and she treats all of her Ladies very well. Since we have the same adventuresome streak, she sends me on special errands for her. She can have a temper, but she does not like to lose it as she likes to control her surroundings and court. I love her Majesty, my cousin, with all my heart.
And my father, Francis Knollys. He is still alive and thus, is my overlord. My father is very busy with matters of state and kingdom so I seldom see or speak with him. Whenever I do meet with him, I am reminded of my womanly duty of finding a husband and being a good mother to my children.
Favorite Sport to watch: Have I told you about my fondness for the joust?
Do you remember your first kiss: Ah,ah,ah! A lady never kisses and tells. But I do say thank you for the wonderful past thought!
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: No. As soon as I was introduced at court and married, I’ve lost track of many old friends of mine. Some moved and some have died due to illness.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: Anywhere there is feasting, dancing and an exciting joust!
Have you ever been overseas: Aye, I did travel to Ireland to spend a short holiday with my husband near his death. During that time I met a daring lady named Grace O’Malley! She turned out to be a pirate with connections!
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: Stone and wood whilst I stay with her Majesty.
What is your bed made of: Walter gave me an oak framed bed with an etched headboard for our 10th Anniversary! The mattress was made of hay and feathers of all sorts! He was a thoughtful man, God rest his sweet soul.
How many people sleep in your bed: Just myself. Her Majesty gave me a room of my own, across the hallway from the Ladies chambers. All of us are within stones’ toss from her Majesty’s private chambers. We are always at her disposal.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. I am a Countess of Essex as my dead husband was the 1st Earl of Essex. He died of mysterious causes but no charges were brought against me as the autopsy proved that no foul behavior harmed him mortally.
2. I have four children: Penelope, Dorothy, Robert and Walter. They reside in Straffordshire as I am in court.
3. I flirt and always looking for adventure. At times I dare travel without an escort!
4. The Queen is my cousin, once removed, and at times, I am mistaken for her.
5. I enjoy learning new topics and cultures. A culture that fascinates me are the Vulgarians.
6. Sir Drake, Sir Hawkins, Sir Dudley and Sir Raliegh are solid protectors of the Crown and I admire their dedication. The Ladies never fear for their lives in foreign land, as these men are within distance.
7. It is rumored that I fancy Sir Dudley for affection. This is not true, I value him as a brother.
8. I enjoy dancing, feasting and looking my best.
9. I cherish my faith and make sure to help those of lower station than I. We are all placed on this good earth to serve.
10. I love the joust and make sure that I attend as often as I can! I admire Sir William of Whitehall as he is her Majesty’s favorite and champion.