Memoirs of Eminent Englishwomen

Biographies of seven notable women who lived in the sixteenth century, compiled using their correspondence, and originally published in 1844.

An intimate portrayal of the lives of seven prominent women, using their own letters and diaries to chart lives of political intrigue, scandal and tragedy. Originally published in 1844 by Louisa Stuart Costello, this volume examines the characters and motivations of women at the political centre of Elizabethan life.Louisa Stuart Costello (1799–1870) was a poet and artist who supported her family with her paintings. As well as writing a number of historical novels, Costello researched and wrote the biographies of many prominent women, using their letters and diaries to tell their extraordinary stories. This first volume chronicles the lives of seven women including Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury (Bess of Hardwick), whose husband was the jailor to Mary, Queen of Scots. It includes letters written by Bess and those around her, including Queen Mary, whom Bess saw as a rival for her husband's affections. These letters provide an insider view of the day-to-day life of a shrewd political strategist. Also covered are the lives of Catherine Grey and Arabella Stuart, who were rivals for the English throne. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=costlo