The Diary of the Lady Anne Clifford 1590-1676

xlvi, 96 pp. "The Diary of the Lady Anne Clifford is historical biography spanning nearly nine decades of some of the most interesting times in English history. Lady Anne's life experiences included the reign of Queen Elizabeth, King James I, Charles I, Lord Protectors Oliver and Richard Cromwell with an ultimate return to the monarch under Charles II. Anne Clifford's early years were influenced through virtuous restraint by a severe and ever present mother, but colored by the fables of an adventurous and almost legendary father. Her childhood developed in a background of feudal castles and estates in the north, while in the south, she lived among cousins and stately aunts with the extraordinary figure of Queen Elizabeth weaving majestically in and out like an intriguing thread. Exposed to the culture and savoir-faire of the London court, which included the likes of Ben Johnson and William Shakespeare, she preferred a life in the north of England and the administration of her father's estates. Yet, Lady Anne's story is one of suffering and endurance: from the time of King James rule through Charles II she struggled against those who would relieve her of her inheritance and outlasted them all. After more than four-hundred years, Lady Anne's image comes down to us in the form of a sad figure, looking as a ghost who somehow searched for a comforted soul, but managed consolation only by religion and charity."