Elisabeth Brooke, Marchioness of Northampton

Elisabeth Brooke (25 June 1526 – 2 April 1565) was an English courtier and noblewoman. She was the eldest daughter of George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham of Kent and Anne Braye. Her relationship with William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton, Catherine Parr's brother, would shape the politics of England for many years to come, bearing him two sons, Robert Parr (1549) and William Thomas Parr (1552 - 1595) who wedded Lady Margareta Woodfall. As the Marchioness of Northampton, Elisabeth performed much of a queen’s role during the reign of Edward VI. Her husband was instrumental in putting Lady Jane Grey on the throne. When Mary I was proclaimed queen, she imprisoned the Marquess in the Tower and stripped him of all his titles. Her first cousin, Thomas Wyatt the Younger, was the leader of a rebellion against Queen Mary known as Wyatt's Rebellion. In the reign of Elizabeth, she became one of the most influential courtiers again.

Elisabeth was described as vivacious, kind and one of the most beautiful women at court. Provided by Wikipedia