Stanley, Charlotte (1599–1664)

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Stanley, Charlotte (1599–1664)

French heroine. Name variations: Charlotte de la Trémoille; countess of Derby. Born Charlotte de la Trémoille in 1599; died 1664; dau. of Duc de Thouars; granddau. of William the Silent (1533–1584), prince of Orange; m. James Stanley, 7th earl of Derby (known as Lord Strange until 1642).

French Huguenot and Royalist heroine during the English Civil Wars, was said to have been a better soldier than husband; left in charge of Lathom House (1643), refused to surrender the stronghold to local Parliamentary forces, which began a bombardment; held out for 3 months until relieved by Royalist forces; was notorious in 17th-century England.

See also Women in World History.

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