Mistress Blanche: Queen Elizabeth I’s Confidante

Blanche Parry – Chief Gentlewoman of Queen Elizabeth I’s Privy Chamber and Keeper of Her Majesty’s Jewels – was born in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley to a noble family connected, via the Herberts of Raglan, with the House of York. She lived to the great age of 82, and for 56 years was a constant presence in the future Queen’s life, from infancy, when Lady Troy was Elizabeth’s Lady Mistress, until 31 years into her reign. This book brings to life the day-to-day realities of Elizabeth’s household, throwing new light on the court, with all its hierarchies and intrigues, and revealing the selfless and influential role played for so long by the previously overlooked Blanche.