Douglas Howard, Baroness Sheffield of Butterwick

as portrayed by Kim Blevins

Good Day,

My Name is Douglas Howard, Baroness Sheffield of Butterwick. I came to that title upon the marriage of my husband, John Sheffield 2nd Baron of Butterwick in 1562 at 17 years of age. He was 24, and a smart match for me. He was also a comely man, and one that I did not mind being married to. Sadly he died young at only 30 years of age. I am now looking for a new husband, and have seen a few that may do. I was born in 1545 at one of the family’s principal estates Riegate Priory. My family is large and thus the need for a well titled husband to help find good matches for the rest of my sisters. I have 7 that need to find good husbands, and 5 brothers. That makes it quit a task to get heard at any gathering of the family. My father has long been in the service of the Tudor line, first with Henry the VIII where he was with him at Boulonge, he was Deputy Earl Marshal at the coronation his niece; Anne Boleyn , he served as Privy Councilor for Edward VI, and was made Baron Howard of Effingham on March 11, 1553 for his defense of London during the rebellion or Sir Thomas Wyatt. (It is hinted that his arguments with the queen may have helped save the life of princess Elizabeth, however his popularity with the navy kept Queen Mary from resenting him.) Sadly it was that same loyalty to Princess Elizabeth that lost him the office of High Admiral and made him a highly suspect person in all the intrigue that surrounded her. In 1559 Accompanied by my older brother Charles, father went as negotiator in Cateau Cambresis, and after supporting the queen during the northern earls, he ceased being the Lord Chamberlain and became Lord Privy Seal.

Most important I believe is lineage, for with out that the accomplishments you make are limited to your place in the great chain of being. Though sometimes, great deeds done by those who are not known by their family lines are accomplished and rewarded.

I look to my older brother Charles Howard, for guidance and advice since often father is busy serving her majesty and unable to guide me.

He has helped me many times assess the merits of a good husband. Is he landed? Does he have a title and means to speak of? Is his family in good standing and in favor with the Queen? What of their lineage? These things are very important indeed.

As to questions of what makes a good servant? Are they discreet, obedient, do they carry out their duties quickly and efficiently? Do they stand loyal and true to the family they serve? These are questions I would query to my older sister Anne- Marchioness Winchester, as she has had more experience than I in such matters. She was 10 years old when I was born, & took to me as tho I was her own, and thus we are very close. Only she knows that I am secretly envious of the freedoms that our brothers enjoy. It was she that told me my greatest virtue was patience, and the reward of that was making such a good match; tho she did jest under her breath that it is surprising indeed to find such a virtue as that in one who has such a love of a well-turned heel as I.

It is so pleasing to have siblings that jest and laugh .It verily angers me to have ones who are sour and bitter with their speech and humors of their families.

I recall once did she ask me my thoughts of a certain courtier which I prefer not to name. As I did not wish to show even to her how my mind works, I simpered and told her silliness. The workings of the secret mind should be of no import to any but those who posses it.

My Best friend is Anne Willoughby Baroness MountJoy . She is a great and gentle lady that has had a touch of misfortune in her luck with husbands. She has shown me the wisdom of having the respect of the ones who do the menial labor of everyday, such as laundry maids. But the one thing she did not have to tell me is how to flatter and play to a man’s vanity. Life is much sweeter if they believe you are naught but a simple-minded maid. They are much more willing to pay for all the wonderful new gowns and shoes when you are malleable.

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