I was really drawn to Kat Ashley. I loved her dedication to Elizabeth and what she went through to protect her.
Kat Ashley born Katherine Ashley Champernowne was thought to be the daughter of Sir John Champernowne but this isn't known for sure. It was thought that she came came from a modest background but not much is known of her early life. She was appointed as Governess when the little princess Elizabeth was four. Elizabeth had lost her mother Anne Boleyn (Elizabeth was 3) when she was executed by Elizabeths father Henry the 8th. Elizabeth was declared a bastard and the king took little interest in her. Lady Byron was Elizabeths primary care giver up until Edward her brother was born. She was moved to care for Edward so Kat took her place.
She was thought to have been more like a mother as she had shown great dedication and love to Elizabeth. She taught her Astronomy, geography, history, mathematics, french, flemish(Belgian Dutch), Italian, spanish, needlework, embroidery, dancing, riding, manners and etiquette.
Elizabeth Tudor"Kat took great labour and pain in bringing of me up in learning and honesty".
They built a close bond, a mother daughter relationship. I loved reading about Kat Ashley. She was incredibly loyal to Elizabeth throughout her life. She never left her side. I was really surprised to learn about what she knew and taught Elizabeth. She was a cultured and cultivated women and she helped make Elizabeth the powerful and independent woman she grew up to be. Without her who knows how Elizabeths reign would have turned out. I also found it touching to know that Elizabeth wasn't left alone when her mother died. To know that she was just 3 is heartbreaking and that her mother dies in such a violent way. I think knowing this showed me a more vulnerable side to Elizabeth also. To imagine her as a small child left in this vulnerable position is heartbreaking more so maybe because I have a 3 year old and would hate for her to ever be in this position.
In the year 1545 Kat Ashley married Elizabeths senior gentleman Sir John Ashley. She was too old though, to have children but felt that Elizabeth was more like her own anyway so didn't feel the need.
When Henry the VIII died Kat Ashley and Elizabeth were moved to The house of Catherine Parr and her new husband Thomas Seymour. Kat was said to have not liked Mr Seymour as he would inappropriately come into Ms Elizabeth's room in the mornings to tickle her when she was just 14 years old. Elizabeth being naive and young didn't understand this and this situation did put a strain on hers and Kats relationship. Elizabeth was ordered to leave the house when Catherine found her and Thomas Seymour in a compromised position. Catherine died soon after this in childbirth and it was around this time that Elizabeth started to question Thomas Seymour's intentions. Kat was arrested for questioning around the time that Thomas Seymour was being held at court for treason. She was released a short time after when they found her to be unknowing towards Thomas's plots.
When Thomas was beheaded days after her release things seemed to calm down for Elizabeth and Kat. This was not to last however as Elizabeth was arrested by Mary 1st for supposedly plotting to de-throne mary. Kat was also arrested for writing treasonous things in her journal. They were banned from seeing each other until 1558 when Queen Mary died. Elizabeth became Queen and gave Kat Ashley the position of first lady of the bed chamber.
They would remain close for the next 7 years until Kat died. Elizabeth was at her bed side and it was said that she was devastated of her death. She was her closest confident and was always there to give her support and advice. Elizabeth was said to have thought of Kat Ashley as her mother.
Elizabeth was extremely lucky to have had a mother/friend in Kat Ashley. there was so much love and loyalty between them and I loved learning about a not so well known story.
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