Margaret Godolphin

Margaret Godolphin (née Blagge; 2 August 1652 – 9 September 1678) was an English courtier active during the late 17th century. She was born in London on 2 August 1652 to Colonel Thomas Blagge and his wife. The Blagge family was of the gentry class with connections to the exiled English court, although not wealthy.

Following her birth, Margaret served in the household of Henrietta Maria, the Queen Mother. She accompanied Henrietta Maria back to England during the Restoration period. Her father, Thomas Blagge, died in 1660, which resulted in financial difficulties for her family. Around 1666, Margaret was appointed as Maid of Honour to Anne Hyde, Duchess of York. Her elder sister had previously held a similar position in the Duchess's household and was quickly married within that context.

After the death of the Duchess of York in 1671, Margaret entered royal service as a maid of honour to Queen Catherine of Braganza. Her duties included entertaining the Queen and participating in courtly activities. She resided at Whitehall Palace along with other young noblewomen. Maids of honour typically received an annual salary of twenty pounds and accommodation, but they had to provide their own clothing. Upon leaving court, they were granted a dowry from the Treasury. Unlike most maids of honour who served for one to two years, Margaret maintained her position for approximately ten years.

In 1672, Margaret selected John Evelyn as a spiritual mentor and friend. Their acquaintance began in 1669, when Margaret approached Evelyn for help with her financial issues. Evelyn, then aged 52, advised her on religious matters, and Margaret was notably devout compared to her peers, which was a recurring observation among courtiers. Evelyn later documented her life in a manuscript.

On 16 May 1676, Margaret married Sidney Godolphin in a private religious ceremony. Initially, they kept their nuptials secret from both the court and their families. Margaret continued her royal service afterward, retaining her maiden name, and her marriage was not publicly acknowledged immediately. Sidney Godolphin would go on to become a prominent political figure in England.

In September 1678, Margaret gave birth to her son, Francis Godolphin. Due to complications from childbirth, she died on 9 September 1678 at Whitehall. She was subsequently transported to her husband's family estate in Cornwall, where she was buried at Breage Parish Church. Her death occurred shortly after her son's birth.

John Evelyn’s account of Margaret’s life was recorded in manuscript form and preserved through his descendants. It was passed down to Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt, Archbishop of York, who arranged for its publication in 1847, with assistance from the Bishop of Oxford.