Katherine Stanhope, Countess Of Chesterfield

Katherine Stanhope, Countess of Chesterfield (born Wotton, 1609 – died 1667), was an English courtier known for her roles as governess and confidante to royalty, as well as her political involvement during the 17th century. She was the eldest daughter of Thomas Wotton, 2nd Baron Wotton, and his wife Mary Throckmorton, daughter of Sir Arthur Throckmorton of Paulerspury, Northamptonshire.

In May 1641, following the marriage of William and Mary, she accompanied her husband, Lord Stanhope, to Holland where she served as governess to Mary, Princess Royal, the daughter of King Charles I. Over time, she established herself as a confidante and adviser to the princess. During the English Civil War, Lady Stanhope supported the royalist cause, backing King Charles I and his heir, King Charles II, both politically and financially. She is believed to have been involved in numerous royalist plots during that period.

In recognition of her service and friendship, King Charles II granted her the title of Countess of Chesterfield in 1660 after the death of Heenvliet. She continued her service to Princess Mary until her death from illness on December 24, 1660. Subsequent to this, she served the Duchess of York, Anne Hyde, and in 1662, she became a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II.

Katherine Stanhope married three times. Her first marriage took place in 1628 to Henry Stanhope, Lord Stanhope (died 1634), second son of Philip Stanhope, 1st Earl of Chesterfield. From this union, she had three children: Philip Stanhope, who later became the 2nd Earl of Chesterfield; a daughter named Mary Stanhope; and another daughter named Catherine Stanhope. Her son Philip inherited the Earldom of Chesterfield from his grandfather in 1656.

Her second marriage occurred in early 1641 to Jehan van der Kerckhove, Lord of Heenvliet (died 1660), a Dutch diplomat involved in negotiating alliances between William II of Orange and Princess Mary of England. Her third marriage was in 1662 to Daniel O'Neill (died 1664), who served as Postmaster General and was a supporter of the Royalist cause during the Civil War.

Following her husband's death in 1664, Katherine inherited the office of Postmaster General, which significantly increased her wealth. She died of edema in 1667 and was buried on her father's estate.

References for her life include the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, which provides detailed information about her career, family background, and historical significance.