Mistress Elizabeth Throckmorton,
Maid of Honor

as portrayed by Kelly Peacock

Good Gentles,

I am Mistress Elizabeth Throckmorton, called Bess by my loving friends. I am Maid of Honour to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. I was born in 1565, the only daughter of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton and Anne Carew. I have six brothers, and although William is the eldest it is the second, Arthur, who manages the affairs of our family, and of whom I am most fond.

As a steadfast supporter of the Protestant religion my dear father was most esteemed by Her Royal Majesty and served Her Grace faithfully at home and abroad for many years, travelling often to France and Scotland in her service. After unhappily falling suspect in questionable dealings with the Scottish queen against Queen Elizabeth, he was imprisoned in the Tower. Shortly after his release he died - I was still but a small child.

Arthur and my good lady mother were most instrumental in arranging my appointment to Court. Arthur joined the court when I was a young girl. My mother brought me to visit him at the royal household and they petitioned for my appointment; an early offer for my hand was refused so that my liberty might be assured.

As Maid of Honour to the Queen and gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber, I serve Her Majesty most faithfully and obediently, and yet have learned from Her Majesty that ambition and power may be found in women, as in men. I find life at Court most exciting, and am most fortunate to have found favour with Her Grace. I take great pleasure in dance, hunting and riding, and most especially in the workings of courtly politics, gossip and romance...

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