Elizabeth Somerset, Countess of Worcester (wife of the 4th Earl)


Elizabeth Hastings, later Countess of Worcester was a noblewoman born in Scotland to Francis Hastings, 2nd Earl of Huntingdon, and Catherine Pole. In December 1571, she married Sir Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester, son of Sir William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester and Christian North.
In 1603 Elizabeth travelled to Berwick upon Tweed with other courtiers in an official party to welcome Anne of Denmark. These were chosen by the Privy Council, following the order of King James of 15 April 1603. The group consisted of two countesses, Frances Howard, Countess of Kildare, Elizabeth, Countess of Worcester; two baronesses Philadelphia, Lady Scrope and Penelope, Lady Rich; and two ladies Anne Herbert, a daughter of Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, and Audrey Walsingham. They welcomed the new queen into England on 3 June 1603.

Children

Elizabeth had fifteen children.
  1. Katherine Somerset married William Petre
  2. William Somerset
  3. Henry Somerset, 1st Marquess of Worcester married Anne Russell
  4. Sir Thomas Somerset, 1st Viscount Somerset married Helen Barry
Lady Elizabeth is buried next to her husband in the Somerset family chapel in the Church of St Cadoc, Raglan, Monmouthshire.

Ancestry