Elizabeth Bacon, English Tudor gentlewoman (b. 1541)

Elizabeth Bacon, born around 1541 and passing away on May 3, 1621, was a distinguished English aristocrat whose life spanned a significant period of the Tudor and early Stuart eras. Her lineage and marriages placed her at the heart of the social and political elite, connecting her to some of the most influential figures of her time.

A Daughter of Prominence: The Bacon Family

Elizabeth’s esteemed position began with her birth into a family of considerable influence. She was the daughter of Sir Nicholas Bacon, a pivotal figure in Queen Elizabeth I’s court, who held the prestigious and powerful office of Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. This role made him one of the monarch's chief legal and political advisors, effectively managing the great seal of England and overseeing the justice system. Her mother was Jane Ferneley, Sir Nicholas's first wife, who sadly passed away in 1552 when Elizabeth was still quite young. The Bacon household was one steeped in learning and public service, setting the stage for Elizabeth’s own life among the gentry and nobility.

The Enigmatic Patroness: My Ladye Nevells Booke

Among her most intriguing connections is the strong presumption that Elizabeth Bacon, specifically during her marriage to Sir Henry Neville, was the dedicatee and likely the owner of My Ladye Nevells Booke. This manuscript, compiled in 1591, is an exceptionally important collection of keyboard music by the celebrated English composer, William Byrd. Byrd, a master of both sacred and secular music, was one of the foremost composers of the Elizabethan age, and his works in this book represent a pinnacle of English keyboard repertoire. The compilation of such a significant musical volume for a private individual speaks volumes about Lady Neville’s cultural sophistication and the value placed on music patronage within aristocratic circles. The manuscript itself is a treasure trove of pavans, galliards, fantasias, and variations, offering a rare glimpse into the private musical tastes and performance practices of the late 16th century.

A Succession of Distinguished Marriages

Elizabeth Bacon's life was marked by three significant marriages, each connecting her to powerful and respected families. Her first union was to Sir Robert D'Oylie, a member of the landed gentry. Following his passing, she married the esteemed courtier, Sir Henry Neville. This marriage would have placed her even closer to the inner workings of the royal court and the social scene of Elizabethan London, as courtiers were central figures in the monarch's retinue and political landscape. It is during this period that she would have been known as Lady Neville, reinforcing the belief that she was the namesake of Byrd's famed manuscript. Her third and final marriage was to the respected judge, Sir William Peryam, who served as Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. These successive marriages highlight not only her personal journey but also the strategic alliances and social mobility characteristic of aristocratic life in Tudor and Stuart England, where unions often solidified status and influence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elizabeth Bacon

Who was Elizabeth Bacon?
Elizabeth Bacon (c. 1541 – 3 May 1621) was an English aristocrat, notable for her prominent family background and her presumed connection to My Ladye Nevells Booke, a significant manuscript of keyboard music by William Byrd.
What was My Ladye Nevells Booke?
It is an important manuscript compiled in 1591, containing a collection of keyboard music by one of England's greatest composers, William Byrd. It is widely regarded as a significant document for understanding late 16th-century English music.
How was Elizabeth Bacon connected to Sir Nicholas Bacon?
She was the daughter of Sir Nicholas Bacon, who served as Queen Elizabeth I's Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, a high-ranking political and legal official in the Elizabethan government.
Who were Elizabeth Bacon's husbands?
She was married successively to three prominent men: Sir Robert D'Oylie, the courtier Sir Henry Neville, and the judge Sir William Peryam.
Why is she called "Lady Neville" in relation to the music book?
It is presumed she was the "Lady Neville" referred to in the title of My Ladye Nevells Booke because the manuscript was compiled in 1591, during her marriage to her second husband, Sir Henry Neville, making her Lady Neville at that time.