PEMBROKE (ANNE, COUNTESS OF) born at Skipton Castle, in Craven, 1589,
Daughter and sole heir to George Clifford, third earl of Cumberland; descended from the three ancient and noble families of the Cliffords, Viponts, and Vesseys, lords and barons in the north; and she added to her escutcheons Pembroke, Dorset, and Montgomery, the titles of three great earldoms in the south.
She had a greatness of mind which added dignity to her high rank; for bishop Rainbow, who knew her well, assures us, that she was enriched by nature with very extraordinary endowments. 'She had, (says he) a clear soul, shining through a vivid body; her body was durable and healthful, her soul sprightful, of great understanding and judgment, faithful memory, and ready wit.'
Her natural endowments were happily improved by our ingenious historian and poet, Mr. Samuel Daniel, who was her preceptor, and under whom she made a considerable progress in many parts of literature; increasing her knowledge by reading and conversing with persons eminent for learning: 'By which means, as the above-mentioned prelate observes, she had early gained an ability to discourse in all commendable arts and sciences, as well as in those things which belong to persons of her birth and sex to know. For she could discourse with virtuosos, travellers, scholars, merchants, divines, statesmen, and with good housewives in any kind; insomuch that a prime and elegant wit, Dr. Donne, well seen in all human learning, and afterwards devoted to the study of divinity, is reported to have said of this lady, in her younger years, to this effect; that she knew well how to discourse of all things, from predestination to slea silk.
