Elizabeth Waller, Baroness Shelburne

Elizabeth Waller, Baroness Shelburne (circa 1636 – February 1708), was an Anglo-Irish peer born in Castleton, County Limerick. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Dowdall (died 1658) and Sir Hardress Waller (circa 1604–1666). Her father was involved in the trial and condemnation of King Charles I of England, serving as one of the regicides who approved the king’s execution. Following the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, Sir Hardress Waller was convicted of regicide and sentenced to death; however, he was subsequently reprieved and died in prison.

Her mother, Elizabeth Dowdall, was recognized for her active defense of Kilfinny Castle during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Elizabeth Waller married twice. Her first marriage was on 23 October 1653 to Sir Maurice Fenton, 1st Baronet (circa 1622–1664). With Sir Maurice Fenton, she had two children: a daughter, Margaret, who died unmarried in 1667, and a son, William, who died in 1670.

In 1667, Elizabeth Waller married secondly Sir William Petty (1623–1687), an economist, scientist, and surveyor. By this marriage, she became the mother of four children: Anne Petty (died November 1737), John (circa 1669–circa 1670), Charles Petty, 1st Baron Shelburne (1672–1696), and Henry Petty, 1st Earl of Shelburne (1675–1751).

On 13 December 1688, Elizabeth Waller was created Baroness Shelburne suo jure by King James II of England. On the same day, her eldest son with Sir William Petty, Charles Petty, was also granted the title of Baron Shelburne.