Elizabeth Dacre Howard was a member of the English nobility in the 16th century. She first married Thomas Dacre, 4th Baron Dacre of Gilsland, and had five children with him. After his death in 1566, she secretly married Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, who was a Catholic and a potential claimant to the throne. She died in childbirth at Kenninghall, Norfolk, on 4 September 1567, along with her baby. Her death was a source of grief and controversy for her husband and her family.
Early Life and First Marriage
Elizabeth was born in 1536, the daughter of Sir James Leyburn of Cunswick, Westmorland, and his wife Helen Preston. She had one sister, Anne, who married William Stanley, 3rd Baron Monteagle. Elizabeth and her family were devout Catholics, and some of them suffered persecution and execution for their faith.
In 1555, Elizabeth married Thomas Dacre, 4th Baron Dacre of Gilsland, who was also a Catholic and a loyal supporter of Queen Mary I. The marriage produced five children:
Francis Dacre (died as an infant)
Anne Dacre (1557-1630), who married Philip Howard, 20th Earl of Arundel, the son of Elizabeth’s second husband by a former wife.
George Dacre, 5th Baron Dacre (1560-1569), who died aged nine, two years after his mother.
Mary Dacre (1563-1578), who married Thomas Howard, later 1st Earl of Suffolk, another son of Elizabeth’s second husband by a former wife.
Elizabeth Dacre (1564-1639), who married Lord William Howard, yet another son of Elizabeth’s second husband by a former wife.
Elizabeth and Thomas Dacre lived at Naworth Castle in Cumberland, where they maintained a large household and entertained guests. They also owned Lanercost Priory, where their infant daughter Elizabeth was buried in 1883. Her tomb, sculpted by Sir Edgar Boehm, is still in the Lady Chapel of the priory.
Secret Marriage and Death
Thomas Dacre died on 25 July 1566, leaving Elizabeth a wealthy widow. Six months later, on 29 January 1567, she secretly married Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, who was one of the most powerful and influential noblemen in England. He was also a Catholic, but had been raised as a Protestant and had served Queen Elizabeth I as a loyal subject. He had been married twice before, to Mary FitzAlan and Margaret Audley, both of whom had died in childbirth.
The marriage between Elizabeth and Norfolk was kept secret for several months, as it was not approved by the queen or the Privy Council. Elizabeth’s brother-in-law, Leonard Dacre, accused her of being greedy and unfaithful, and claimed that she had cheated him and her daughters out of their inheritance. Norfolk, on the other hand, was happy to have a young and beautiful wife, and hoped to have a son and heir with her.
However, their happiness was short-lived. On 4 September 1567, Elizabeth went into labor at Kenninghall, Norfolk’s main residence. She suffered a difficult and prolonged delivery, and died along with her baby. It is not certain what caused her death, but some possible factors are infection, hemorrhage, eclampsia, or complications from a previous pregnancy or delivery. According to some sources, Norfolk was so distraught that he refused to let anyone see or touch her body, and kept it in his chamber for several days. He also denied her access to a Catholic priest, who was waiting in the garden to reconcile her with the church.
Elizabeth was buried at St Mary’s Church in Lambeth, where Norfolk had a private chapel. Her tomb was decorated with a brass plate bearing her effigy and an inscription. Her death was a blow to Norfolk’s hopes and ambitions, and also a catalyst for his downfall. He became involved in a plot to marry Mary, Queen of Scots, who was a Catholic and a rival to Elizabeth I. He was arrested, tried, and executed for treason in 1572.
Elizabeth Dacre Howard was a noble lady who lived a short and tragic life. She was married twice, to two prominent and powerful men, and had five children, four of whom survived her. She died in childbirth at the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy of grief and controversy. Her story is one of the many dramas that unfolded in the turbulent and fascinating era of the Tudors.
