16 Facts About Mary Dudley

Mary Dudley was daughter of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, and sister of Elizabeth's favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.

Mary Dudley's duties included nursing the Queen through smallpox in 1563 and acting as her mouthpiece towards diplomats.

Still one of Elizabeth's favourite ladies, Mary Dudley retired from court life in 1579, suffering from ill health during her last years.

Mary Dudley was the eldest daughter among the thirteen children of John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland and his wife Jane Guildford.

Mary Dudley became a friend, correspondent and frequent visitor of the scientist and magus John Dee.

In 1556 Mary Dudley went with her husband to Ireland, where they resided mostly at Athlone Castle.

Queen Mary Dudley acted as godmother, but the child died at "one year and three quarters old".

Mary Dudley had been restored in blood earlier in the year when the Dudley's attainder was lifted by Mary I's last parliament.

Mary Dudley said that if this were not true, I might be sure she would not say such a thing as it might cost her her life and she was acting now with the Queen's consent, but she would not speak to the Emperor's ambassador about it.

That Mary Dudley took to wearing a mask afterwards is a myth.

Mary Dudley continued her court service, unless absent when accompanying her husband to Wales and Ireland.

Mary Dudley's wife stayed behind at Drogheda, which came under rebel attack.

Mary Dudley's third child Elizabeth was born at her brother Robert's house at Kew in late 1560.

Mary Dudley's mother organized the wedding festivities at Wilton House.

Mary Dudley refused to exchange her accustomed rooms with a cold chamber that had previously been "but the place for my servants".

Mary Dudley joined her husband at Ludlow in 1582, where he was serving his third turn as President of the Council of Wales.